Taking the ocean into account is critical for successfully addressing climate change, and addressing climate change is critical for the future of the ocean.
Decarbonizing Shipping
Future Maritime Fuels in the USA
Ports and Communities
Green Shipping Corridors
Zero-Carbon for Shipping
Arctic Corporate Shipping Pledge
Zero-Carbon for Shipping in North America
The Maritime Fleet of the USA
Shipping Infographics
Shipping Report
Offshore Wind Report
Plastics and Climate
Governance & Knowledge
How Green Hydrogen Can Keep the Ocean Blue
How Ocean-Based Solutions Contribute to Net Zero: Key Announcements
How Oceans Can Help Us Tackle Climate Change
Ocean-Based Climate Solutions in Nationally Determined Contributions
Opportunities for Ocean-Climate Action in the American Jobs Plan
Ready…or not? Carbon Dioxide Removal as an Ocean-based Climate Solution
Reliable Scope 3 Emissions Disclosures are Key to Addressing Climate-Related Financial Risks
Action Agenda for a Blue-Green Future
Action Plan for Blue-Green Shipping Investment in the Pacific
An Ocean and Climate Agenda for the New Administration
Executive Summary: Action Agenda for a Blue-Green Future
Ocean Carbon Dioxide Removal Methods
Ocean-Climate Actions to Support the Biden-Harris Decarbonization Plan
Ocean-Climate Actions to Support the Biden-Harris Plan to Build Back Better
Principles of a Blue-Green Recovery
Action Plan from the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis
California's Ocean-Climate Guide to Action
Celebrating the First Comprehensive Bill on Ocean-Climate Action
Elements of a Blue-Green Foreign Policy
Lessons from California
"Climate-Smart" Marine Protected Areas
California's Ocean-Climate Contribution
Considering the Deep Sea as a Source of Minerals and Rare Elements
Ocean-Climate Action Along the Pacific Coast
Blueprint for International Ocean-Climate Action
Global Climate Action Summit : Ocean-Climate Action
Overlooked Ocean Strategies to Address Climate Change
Now is the Time for Ocean Climate Action
Ocean Conservancy envisions a healthy future for our ocean and the communities that rely on it, free from greenhouse gas pollution and resilient to the climate impacts we can no longer avoid. To help achieve this vision, we create sustainable ocean-based climate solutions, work with all levels of government to implement these solutions and help build demand for climate action. We are bringing the power of the ocean to the global fight against climate change.
Take action for the ocean today
Climate change is the single biggest challenge the ocean faces. Simply put, there is no healthy future for our ocean—and for our planet—unless we act now to reduce greenhouse gases and combat this ever-growing threat.
The ocean has protected us from the worst effects of climate change. From the beginning of industrialization until today, the ocean has absorbed more than 90 percent of the heat from human-caused global warming and about one-third of our carbon emissions. But we are now seeing the devastating effects of that heat and carbon dioxide.
The ocean is too big to ignore. A range of climate impacts—including ocean acidification, sea-level rise and stronger and more frequent hurricanes—are damaging our coastal industries and communities. Moreover, these ocean-climate impacts disproportionately harm communities of color, Indigenous communities, poor communities and others that are historically underserved and underrepresented.
There is more than our own wellbeing at risk—ocean ecosystems and wildlife are also at stake. Coral reefs are dying off and could be eradicated completely by the end of the century; the essential sea ice of the Arctic is disappearing, threatening Arctic animals and ecosystems; and even fish will decline as their populations shrink and move in search of cooler water.
We are in danger of losing what makes the ocean such an important and special place to so many of us, who rely on it for livelihoods, food, recreation and moments of wonder. Although climate action and ocean conservation efforts historically have been separated, we cannot save the ocean without acting on climate change, and we cannot confront the climate crisis without considering the ocean.
In order to protect our communities, ocean and planet, we must work to limit global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius over pre-Industrial temperatures. This means reducing greenhouse gas pollution—including carbon dioxide emissions, which cause not only warming but also ocean acidification—to net-zero no later than 2050. And, as our society shifts away from fossil fuels and toward clean energy, we must ensure a just transition for impacted communities, workers and cultures.
With diminishing time to address the climate crisis, we need to reduce greenhouse gas pollution across every sector, from electricity and transportation to buildings and agriculture. In this context, it is important to remember that the ocean is not just a victim of climate change but also a key part of the solution. From reducing emissions from shipping and ports to scaling up well-sited offshore renewable energy, we can look to ocean industries to contribute a range of sustainable climate measures.
Be a part of our solution
Donate now to help us continue our research into the impacts of the climate crisis on our ocean systems. Or even better, consider becoming a monthly donor, and support our ongoing efforts best incorporate this insight into advocacy, policy and mitigation strategies.
Olivia Lopez
Protecting the Ocean Means Protecting Communities
Aarthi Ananthanarayanan,
Courtney Carmichael,
Mikayla Spencer
Advancing Ocean Climate Action at COP27
Anna-Marie Laura
Ocean Solutions for Clean Energy
Whitney Berry