Oceantic Network participates in United Nations call ahead of Decade of the Ocean
For Immediate Release: June 2, 2020
Media Contact: Melinda Skea | [email protected] | 410-779-1362
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier today the Oceantic Network participated in a United Nations call focused on sustainable ocean business. The call, which hosted CEOs, international organizations, Heads of State and more, discussed the agenda of ocean actions for businesses and governments in order to support the sustainable development goals as part of the upcoming Decade of the Ocean.
Beginning in 2018, the U.N. has held a series of strategic meetings that will lay the groundwork for Decade of the Ocean, taking place 2021-2030. The U.N. has used these meetings to further create goals for the Decade, which include supporting the growth of a blue economy. A robust blue economy will require engagement from various stakeholders, including offshore wind energy suppliers and developers, to create new ideas, solutions, partnerships, and practical applications to meet its goals. This will also require a global framework for development and approval that the U.S. should adopt in the future.
The Network and several Network members, including DNV GL, Equinor, Lloyds Registry, Ørsted, and StormGeo helped draft and develop the 2019 Guidance Report, which was used to determine how ocean industries can advance progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. The report, discussed today, details how private sector innovation and investment could increase the amount of sustainable ocean resources, accessible healthy food, and affordable clean energy.
The following statement can be attributed to Liz Burdock, president and CEO of Oceantic Network:
“Every other breath comes from the ocean. Our oceans have absorbed nearly 30 percent of the carbon dioxide humans have sent into the atmosphere since the start of the Industrial Revolution – some 150 billion tons. As a result, our oceans are in peril. Ocean acidification is destroying ocean biomes and the air we breathe is in jeopardy. It is our responsibility, as a global industry, to push forward in finding ways to increase the capacity for clean, renewable energy within the U.S. and around the world, and to simultaneously protect our oceans. Last year we helped provide industry guidance regarding offshore wind energy to the United Nations ahead of the Decade of the Ocean. As a Network, we are proud to be part of an industry that will create a blue economy and green energy by bringing the development of 9,000 MWs of offshore wind to the U.S., which will help mitigate climate change.”
For more information or to arrange an interview with a Network spokesperson, contact Melinda Skea at [email protected] or 410-779-1362.
Additional Resources:
- The Decade brochure (courtesy of the United Nations)
- 2019 Guidance Report
- Ocean Stewardship 2030 report
- Decade of the Ocean website
