WASHINGTON, D.C. — To celebrate Capitol Hill Ocean Week and World Ocean Day, the National Wildlife Federation called on the Biden Administration to deliver on its priorities and swiftly advance the Ocean Climate Action Plan, released in March. The initiative is the first U.S. plan to recognize and leverage the ocean as a powerful source of climate solutions.

“Nature is sounding the alarm on the climate crisis, with more frequent weather disasters and worsening heat that impact the health of our communities and habitats,” said Abby Tinsley, vice president for conservation policy at the National Wildlife Federation. “However, our oceans and our coasts are one of the greatest tools we have in fighting climate change and mitigating its worst impacts – including providing clean energy opportunities, increased carbon storage, and more resilient coastal communities and habitats. We can harness the incredible power of the ocean as an ally in the fight against the climate crisis.”

The Biden Administration’s Ocean Climate Action Plan leverages the natural climate solution possibilities of the ocean, while working alongside communities including highlighting the need for:

• Designating marine protected areas and recognizing the need to protect people and places being hit first and worst by climate change impacts. This includes the Pacific Remote Islands, Papahānaumokuākea, Hudson Canyon and the Chumash Heritage and Alaĝum Kanuux̂ National Marine Sanctuaries.
• Expanding opportunities for clean energy production through offshore wind energy.
• Reducing harmful emissions and pollution that impacts coastal communities and wildlife.
• Investing in coastal adaptation and resilience.

Learn more about the National Wildlife Federation’s work on natural climate solutions and the National Ocean Protection Coalition.