WASHINGTON – Today, President Biden announced a new climate plan for the United States that ramps up the nation’s emissions reduction goals. The plan, known as a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), will be submitted to the United Nations under terms of the 2015 Paris climate agreement, and aims to reduce U.S. emissions by more than 61% by 2035. The previous plan called for a 50% reduction of emissions by 2030. Anna-Marie Laura, Ocean Conservancy’s Senior Director of Climate Policy, issued the following statement in response:  

“This is great news for anyone who cares about the ocean. The U.S. government’s new nationally determined contribution demonstrates a strong commitment to accelerating climate action across all sectors and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Critically, the plan embraces ocean-based solutions as a way to protect our planet and people from a climate crisis. It sends a powerful message that the ocean is not just a victim of climate change, but a vital part of the solution. 

“Ocean-based solutions, from reducing emissions from shipping and offshore oil and gas, to investing in marine renewable energy like offshore wind, can provide more than a third of all of the emissions reductions needed to meet our climate goals. By setting achievable climate goals, the U.S.  is championing bold, science-driven action that safeguards biodiversity, supports coastal communities, and accelerates a sustainable future. Ocean Conservancy has been on the forefront of pushing for the inclusion of ocean solutions in national climate plans, and will continue to push for the ambition the ocean needs.

“We are cleareyed that the incoming Administration is unlikely to act in a way that meets these goals. Still, Ocean Conservancy will work with actors across the U.S and beyond to turn these commitments into transformative action however we can.”

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NOTE TO EDITORS: Earlier this year, Ocean Conservancy and the Global Offshore Wind Alliance released a guidance tool for how countries can incorporate ocean-solutions into their NDCs. That tool can be found here. 

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Ocean Conservancy envisions a healthier ocean, protected by a more just world. Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.