Oceans are a long-term sink for carbon dioxide emissions caused by human activities. By absorbing carbon dioxide, the oceans reduce the amount of warming those emissions would otherwise cause. But by absorbing carbon dioxide, acidity of seawater increases, which can harm marine life. 

Nevertheless, oceans offer some potential long-term solutions to the climate emergency.  These range from more carbon dioxide sequestration to sustainable energy generation. 

On the down-side, we are already experiencing more flooding and hazardous weather as the oceans warm and sea levels rise. According to NOAA, nearly 40% of Americans live in coastal counties.

Our Oceans Team is working to educate our fellow League members and the public on the many aspects where climate and oceans interact.

Oceans Can Mitigate Climate Change 

• Blue energy
• Blue carbon sinks
• Offshore wind energy generation 
• Wind-powered shipping 
• Marine and coastal ecosystems

Climate Change-Driven Ocean Problems

• Ecological harm: acidification – coral & shellfish, reef loss, fisheries
• Economic harm: land loss & property damage, marine aquaculture & industries  
• Environmental injustice: low-lying communities, flood-borne toxins 
• National security: naval bases & shipyards, storm refugees  
• Rising sea level: storm surge, blue sky flooding, groundwater contamination via saltwater incursion
• Storms: more frequent, more severe, longer hurricane season