Climate change is not a distant threat—it is here now, impacting every American through more frequent and severe wildfires, hurricanes, floods, droughts, and deadly heat waves. Without immediate, decisive action, these crises will intensify, costing lives, livelihoods, and billions in damages.
Our oceans have shielded us from the worst effects of climate change by absorbing over 90% of the excess heat generated by human activity. But they are reaching their breaking point. Sea levels are rising at alarming rates, and global ocean temperatures are hitting record highs year after year. The science is clear: without urgent action, these trends will accelerate beyond our ability to adapt.
The good news is that the ocean is not only a victim of climate change—it is also a powerful part of the solution. Research from the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy shows that ocean-based strategies could deliver up to 47% of the annual greenhouse gas reductions needed by 2050 to keep global warming below the catastrophic threshold of 2°C.
Congress can lead by advancing policies that:
• End the expansion of offshore drilling and phase out fossil fuel dependence.
• Protect and restore marine habitats that store carbon and safeguard biodiversity.
• Support climate-friendly seafood and sustainable fishing practices.
• Improve shipping efficiency and decarbonize ocean-based tourism.
• Transition coastal and island communities to renewable energy.
These solutions are within our reach, but only if you act now to implement them at scale. The cost of delay will be measured in irreversible environmental damage, economic loss, and human suffering.
We are counting on you to meet this moment. The time for half-measures has passed. Congress must take bold, comprehensive action to protect our oceans, our climate, and the future we leave to the next generation.
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