Resolution would accept the findings and commit to supporting ocean-focused solutions to the climate crisis

Washington (September 26, 2019) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), co-author of the Green New Deal, introduced  a resolution expressing the need for immediate climate action in response to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) led the resolution in the House of Representatives. The IPCC Special Report, which represents the global scientific consensus on the current and projected impacts of climate change on the oceans and polar systems, highlights severe impacts to coastal communities from melting ice, warming waters, and rising seas under business as usual climate policies. The resolution recognizes and accepts these findings, calls for a commitment to ocean-centric solutions to the climate crisis, and affirms the immediate need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to protect the oceans and cryosphere.

“Congresswoman Bonamici has been an incredible ocean leader in the House, and I’m pleased to work with her on the important issue of oceans and climate change,” said Senator Markey.  “The science in today’s IPCC report is crystal clear. Climate change is wreaking havoc on our marine and polar ecosystems, with devastating effects on coastal communities. In Massachusetts we’re facing accelerating sea level rise, 3-4 times that of the global level. Our iconic fisheries are suffering as species such as lobster, are moving north, out of our waters. We need to take climate action now, and we can—and must--include the oceans in our climate solutions.”

“The findings in the IPCC’s Special Report are dire: the climate crisis is devastating our planet, from the remote deep ocean floor to the most pristine Arctic and mountain regions,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “Our ocean has literally taken the heat for our inaction, but we can act now to protect the health of our ocean, cryosphere, and planet. I am committed to doing all I can to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and invest in solutions, like blue carbon, ocean driven renewable energy, and the electrification of the maritime industry, that leverage the power of our oceans to mitigate the climate crisis. I am grateful to Senator Ed Markey for his leadership on climate change and partnership on addressing this critical report.” 

A copy of the resolution can be found HERE.

###