Need/Context

The ocean and its reactive sediments hold over ten times more carbon than all other carbon sinks combined (i.e., the atmosphere, terrestrial biota, and soil). It also ‘holds’ the climate, shapes the weather, produces 50% of Earth’s O2, and harbors 80% of Earth’s biodiversity. The ocean can provide ‘Infinity Fish’, limitless clean energy and water, and innumerable other benefits. Its estimated $1.5 trillion annual contribution to the global economy, and $24 trillion net asset value, are inherent underestimates as they are dimensionally limited.

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The rapid acceleration of climate change and its impacts globally—on all Earth systems—is increasingly recognized as an existential threat that requires a rapid response. While many governments and intergovernmental organizations have been slow to act, entire new segments of the global economy are developing rapidly in response to climate change. Emerging solutions include those that reduce atmospheric carbon and those that adapt to climate change.

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Although the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change produces essential summaries of climate change impacts and broad solutions roadmaps (e.g., IPCC AR6 SPM Fig 7), there is a paucity of strategic synthesis initiatives that are focused solely on ocean-based climate solutions. The present initiative is designed to help fill this clear capacity gap. One of many promising solutions is the elimination of harmful subsidies, not just in fisheries, but in fossil fuel industries generally. Professor Rashid Sumaila is keen to partner with us in this key area.

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Many organizations have begun to discuss ocean-based climate solutions including useful descriptions, reports, and policy advocacy (e.g., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Oceana, Ocean Conservancy, Environmental Defense Fund, WWF). Other organizations and initiatives have contributed more extensive summaries, lists of solutions, and tools to rank solutions and accelerate action (e.g., World Resources Institute, Ocean Visions, Ocean Decade, Project Drawdown Solutions Library, Earthshot Prize Launchpad, SOA Ocean Solutions Accelerator). With good scientific advisors, the current US Administration and the EU have begun delivering ocean policy solutions. Ocean solutions initiatives are also emerging in Canada and elsewhere.