In the face of climate change, the ocean can be a source of climate adaptation and mitigation solutions that provide co-benefits such as good-paying jobs, sustainable livelihoods and communities, and healthier ocean ecosystems. Ocean-based solutions include, but are not limited to: green shipping, blue carbon, biodiversity conservation and protection, ecosystem protection and restoration, nature-based solutions, marine renewable energy, ocean-based carbon dioxide removal and sequestration, climate-ready aquaculture and fisheries, and other ocean-climate related actions.
To accelerate the U.S. whole-of-government approach to climate action, the Ocean Policy Committee released an Ocean Climate Action Plan (March 21, 2023). This plan features ongoing and planned federal ocean-based climate mitigation and adaptation activities, identifies gaps in climate and ocean science and management capabilities, and recommends new or enhanced ocean science and policy actions to tackle climate change. The plan integrates environmental justice considerations into ocean-based climate solutions to pave an equitable path towards climate-resilient systems, resources, communities, and infrastructure.
The Ocean Climate Action Plan advances relevant Biden-Harris administration climate goals and activities, which include: