By: Lisa Speer, Director, International Oceans program
That was the message sent to the President today by 15 conservation groups representing millions of Americans concerned about the devastating effects of climate change on the ocean. The groups asked that the Earth Day Climate Summit include a focus on the ocean’s role in mitigating climate change, and key opportunities for international action this year to bolster the ocean’s resilience in the face of climate-related changes already underway.
Why a focus on the ocean at a climate summit? The science is clear that the ocean plays a key role in regulating the climate by absorbing more than 90% of the excess heat and one-quarter of the carbon dioxide humans have generated by burning fossil fuels, helping to shield the planet from the worst ravages of climate change.
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