What does a government agency do when faced with the threat of sea level rise inundating an eight-mile stretch of critical north/south highway (Highway 1), while simultaneously protecting critical habitat of national significance (Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve)? Conduct a study and call upon the experts.
The House Democrats’ report, “Solving the Climate Crisis,” is the most comprehensive response to the climate emergency in the history of Congress. This is a great splash forward that all Americans should support, however it misses key elements addressed in the Ocean Climate Action Plan-Blue New Deal. With additional recommendations from the Ocean Climate Action Plan, we could both meet our climate targets and revitalize our economy from sea to shining sea.
For the first time, the U.S. Dept. of Commerce will officially measure the economic contributions of the oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes in national income accounts. The Center for the Blue Economy’s Dr. Charles Colgan and the National Ocean Economics Program team have been innovating and advocating for 21 years to make this happen.
Promoting a sustainable ocean and coastal economy is the mission of the Center for the Blue Economy. We do this through economic research, teaching, and advising on policy for regional, state, and national governments. This story showcases some of 2019’s activities and achievements.
The Center for the Blue Economy will develop a baseline assessment of the ocean economies of Kenya and Tanzania, which can be used as a foundation for developing blue economy strategies in each country.
West Cliff Drive in the of City of Santa Cruz, California spans 2.5 miles of ocean views, cliffs and beaches. That stretch is home to an iconic lighthouse, prime surf spots, and is frequented by the wealthy and working class alike. But sea-level rise and storms threaten to undercut the road. This summer, the Center for the Blue Economy will help City managers determine the best way forward for West Cliff Drive.
Using Center for the Blue Economy collaborative research as a baseline, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker’s Seaport Economic Council funds Expedition Blue!, telling the story of the blue economy in Cape Cod.
Dr. Juliano Calil, Center for the Blue Economy Senior Fellow, Adjunct Faculty at the Middlebury Institute, and co-founder of Virtual Planet has created a 3D virtual reality “Sea Level Rise Explorer.”
New article in the CBE Journal of Ocean and Coastal Economics helps decision makers examine the costs and benefits—specifically the quality of habitat restored along the Gulf of Mexico.
