Oceans and Wetlands

 

 

 

Our Plan To Protect And Restore Ocean And Wetland Ecosystems For Climate Mitigation And Resilience

 

 

 

Download This Plan

 

 

 

 

Maximizing Ocean-Based Climate Solutions

Ocean and wetland ecosystems provide critical climate benefits, serving as highly effective carbon sinks and protecting shorelines from flooding and storms. However, the quality and quantity of wetlands in America are rapidly declining. Approximately half of the wetlands in the contiguous United States have been lost or degraded, primarily to agricultural uses and human development. When wetlands disappear, so does their ability to sequester carbon and buffer the impacts of climate change for communities and wildlife. At the same time, warming temperatures are threatening the health of these “blue carbon” ecosystems, causing ocean acidification, harmful algal blooms, biodiversity decline, and shifting fish stocks.

 
 

To maximize the climate benefits of blue carbon ecosystems and help them adapt to a warming climate, the United States must expand protections for existing ocean and coastal areas, increase investments in wetland restoration, and establish strong interagency coordination for conservation and research in ocean and coastal health.

 

Establish a national goal of protecting at least 30% of U.S. wetlands and ocean areas by 2030, including increasing Marine Protected Areas and investments in new and existing programs aimed at ocean and wetland conservation and restoration.

Foster coordination among ocean management agencies, states, and tribes that oversee marine health, conservation, and development by restoring, strengthening, and codifying a National Ocean Policy.

Bolster climate resilience of ocean and coastal ecosystems and aquatic wildlife by addressing ocean acidification and harmful algal blooms and ensuring responsibly sited ocean-based renewable energy to minimize impacts on marine mammals and fisheries.

Prepare American fisheries and fishing communities for climate change impacts by incorporating climate adaptation into fisheries management.

Increase investments in natural infrastructure to protect coastal communities and ecosystems while providing valuable co-benefits, such as climate mitigation, wildlife habitat, and water quality.

Advance understanding of the climate benefits of ocean and coastal ecosystems by increasing support and investments in research, data collection, and mapping of blue carbon ecosystems.

More on Oceans and Wetlands

Select Committee To Hold Briefing On New Research Warning Of 'Unstoppable' Sea-Level Rise Unless Paris Targets Are Met

May 5, 2021 Press Release
The briefing will focus on new research that warns of the potential for “rapid and unstoppable sea-level rise” if the world fails to meet the goals set forth in the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels.

Chair Castor: 'Today's Vote Is A Crucial Step In Our Effort To Solve The Climate Crisis'

Feb 26, 2021 Press Release
"This bipartisan legislation will protect unique landscapes from harmful drilling and mining, expand our potential to deploy natural climate solutions, and ensure access to clean drinking water and recreational green spaces for countless Americans," said Chair Castor.

Chair Castor: 'On Day One, Biden Did More To Act On Climate Than Trump In Four Years'

Jan 22, 2021 Press Release
"President Biden is poised to lead us to a clean energy future, one where American families can count on clean air and water, resilient neighborhoods, and good-paying jobs and new careers," said Chair Castor.

Chair Castor Highlights Important Climate Progress in Year-End Legislation

Dec 21, 2020 Press Release
"Today's legislation includes several key provisions that will help reduce pollution, protect public health, and invest in resilience to keep Americans safe," said Chair Castor.

Select Committee Democrats Release 'Solving The Climate Crisis', A Congressional Roadmap For Ambitious Climate Action

Jun 30, 2020 Press Release
“Our plan will put people back to work and rebuild in a way that benefits all of us. That means environmental justice and our vulnerable communities are at the center of the solutions we propose. The health of our families and the air we breathe are at the heart of our plan. We chart the course to good-paying jobs in solar and wind energy, in manufacturing American-made electric vehicles, and in strengthening communities, so they are more resilient to flooding, extreme heat, intense hurricanes and wildfires.”

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