Washington, D.C. — In response to the IPCC release of the Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) issued the following statement from Conservation Program Director Alex Taurel:

“This scientific report underscores that we must take rapid and bold action to avert the deterioration of the ocean and everything it does for people—supply us with food, sustain coastal economies, regulate our weather and climate, and buffer our coastal communities from storms.  That means countries must commit to ambitious new targets to cut carbon pollution and transition to 100% clean energy. And we must increase the resiliency of the ocean to adapt to the changes already underway, which is why scientists are recommending we preserve 30% of the ocean by 2030 so marine life can thrive.  The youth-led global climate strike demonstrated that millions of people are fearful for their future because leaders continue to shirk their moral obligation to preserve a livable planet. The time for action is now.”

In addition, LCV has joined with the Natural Resources Defense Council, Center for American Progress, and the National Ocean Protection Coalition on a factsheet detailing threats to the ocean and strategies we can take to help preserve it, including protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.

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