Ocean-Climate Solutions

This Deeper Dive features interviews with leading experts on opportunities for ocean-climate action as well as primers for philanthropy and civil society to identify pathways for action based on ocean-based mitigation, sequestration, and adaptation approaches.

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• Expert Interviews

What’s on Tap in this Decade of the Ocean?

Monica Dean and Justin Kenney of the UN Foundation provide a tip sheet on the most promising opportunities to tackle the interrelated challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and ocean health.

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• Expert Interviews

Opportunities Ahead for Ocean-Climate Action

We reached out to partners in the ocean and climate community to find out what they are most excited and optimistic about in the year ahead. Explore some of the ways they are ready to take action on behalf of the ocean and all of us who depend on it.

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A Primer for Philanthropy on Ocean-Climate Interventions

The marine conservation community has an important role to play in shaping a robust response to climate change. This primer provides a map of ocean-climate interventions, categorized by mitigation, sequestration, and adaptation efforts.

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• Expert Interviews

Equitable Retreat: The Need for Fairness in Relocating Coastal Communities

Rising seas and stronger storms are increasing the risks of living along the world’s coasts. As governments look to move millions of people out of harm’s way, geographer Dr. Jola Ajibade says they must ensure that managed retreat is done in a just and equitable way.

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• Perspective Piece

Demystifying Ocean-based Carbon Dioxide Removal: An Explainer

Mitigation efforts alone will be insufficient in curbing emissions to prevent dangerous levels of warming. A growing community is exploring the role of carbon dioxide removal approaches to permanently remove carbon from the atmosphere. Philanthropy can play an important role in shaping the maturation process of ocean-based CDR approaches by ensuring transparent, inclusive, and responsible research and policy frameworks.

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• Reports

Opportunities for Ocean-Climate Action in the United States (report and webinar)

“Opportunities for Ocean-Climate Action in the United States” provides a first-ever quantification of the potential for ocean-based climate solutions in the U.S. This report aims to support efforts to accelerate ocean-based climate action at the federal and state level.

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Offshore Wind: A Primer on Trends and Opportunities

This presentation deck provides a state of play on offshore wind and identifies near- and long-term opportunities for philanthropy and civil society.

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Decarbonizing Marine Shipping: A Primer on Trends and Opportunities

This presentation deck provides a state of play on shipping decarbonization and identifies near- and long-term opportunities for philanthropy and civil society.

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Solutions

There are diverse and well-tested solutions for reducing threats on marine ecosystems. This mapping of ocean solution sets provides an overview of how complementary interventions can help change the future trajectory of the ocean. Explore the global landscape of ocean-climate solutions and an interactive typology of interventions.

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Climate Change (Threats 2019 ed.)

This report provides an overview of the scale of threats and recent trendlines for climate change impacts on the ocean. See our updated 2021 report.

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• Expert Interviews

In Upcoming Climate Dialogue, the Ocean is Ready for its Spotlight

Gwynne Taraska of Ocean Conservancy shares insights about what we can expect at the upcoming UNFCCC ocean-climate dialogue and what is possible on climate action with the new Biden-Harris administration.

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• Expert Interviews

The Ocean Is a Source of Solutions: An Interview with Dr. Jane Lubchenco

Dr. Lubchenco discusses where she sees solutions already underway in driving transformative change for the ocean and why she is hopeful that ocean-based climate solutions will continue to gain traction in policy dialogues.

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• Issue Briefs

The Ocean’s Role in Solving the Climate Crisis

Mark Michelin, Director at CEA Consulting, contributed analysis to the recent High Level Panel report. He reviews this analysis to unpack how ocean-based measures could provide up to 21% of emissions reductions required by 2050 to limit warming to 1.5°C.

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• Issue Briefs

A Primer on Climate Change and Marine Biodiversity

Although frequently viewed as siloed crises, climate change and biodiversity are inextricably connected, particularly in the ocean. Understanding these interconnections is key to addressing these twin threats and implementing solutions with higher likelihood of success.