Hosted by Friends of the Ocean and Climate
From ocean acidification to sea level rise, the impacts of greenhouse gas pollution are damaging ocean communities, ecosystems, and economies worldwide. A dramatic increase in climate ambition is essential to protect the health of our ocean. And, as a source of sustainable climate solutions, the ocean can support the effort to keep the goals of the Paris Agreement within reach.
In support of President Biden’s Leaders Summit on Climate and to deepen understanding of the role that the ocean can play in achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, the Friends of the Ocean and Climate countries are hosting a virtual side event with U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John F. Kerry and leaders from across the globe.
Speakers will demonstrate their commitment to ambitious ocean-climate action and highlight how they are leveraging ocean-based solutions—including scaling up offshore renewable energy, reducing emissions from shipping, and protecting and restoring blue carbon ecosystems—to help eliminate carbon pollution. They will also discuss increasing resilience through initiatives such as marine protected areas and climate-ready fisheries.
Speakers
- U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John F. Kerry
- U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm
- H.E. President David Kabua of the Republic of the Marshall Islands
- H.E. Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama of Fiji
- H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile Andrés Allamand
- H.E. Minister for the Pacific and the Environment Lord Zac Goldsmith of the United Kingdom
- H.E. Minister of Climate and Environment of Norway Mr. Sveinung Rotevatn
- H.E. Minister of Justice and the North Sea of Belgium Vincent Van Quickenborne
- H.E. Minister of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica Andrea Meza Murillo
- H.E. Minister of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment of Seychelles Flavien Joubert
- Governor of the State of Hawaii David Ige
- Deputy Director-General for Engineering Affairs, Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Mr. Hideaki Saito
- Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Deputy Director of Climate and Environment, Office of Science and Technology Policy, United States