The ocean has protected us from the worst impacts of the climate crisis. It has absorbed roughly 90% of the heat we have generated and absorbed roughly one third of the carbon dioxide we’ve emitted by burning fossil fuels. Our planet would be unrecognizable if it were not for the ocean. But every single day, we are witnessing the demise of the ocean’s capacity to protect us and its natural wonder. The science is clear—to save the ocean, we need to limit warming to within 1.5 degrees of the pre-industrial average. To accomplish this requires a 45% cut in global emissions by 2030. Ocean-based climate solutions could contribute as much as one-fifth of the annual greenhouse gas emission cuts needed to limit global temperature rise. The ocean is critical to meeting this goal.

To get to that 45% cut in emissions, we have to scale up every proven emissions-reduction pathway. One of the most efficient forms of renewable energy is offshore wind. This is why Ocean Conservancy is calling for a rapid, responsible, and just transition away from fossil fuels to 100% clean-ocean energy by 2050.

We need to ensure the ocean is the home of climate solutions, not polluting fossil fuel industries who put our ocean, and all those who depend on it, at risk. Saving the ocean can’t come at the expense of marine ecosystems and our coastal communities. We can do this responsibly, protecting wildlife and people, and let evidence-based knowledge and community engagement be our guides.  If done right, offshore wind energy in the U.S. can help mitigate the climate crisis by preventing millions of metric tons of CO2 emissions and inject $12 billion in annual capital investments along both coasts while creating thousands of good American jobs.

The transition to a clean ocean energy future will help coastal communities, our ocean, the climate and even business. Yet historically, efforts to end dirty oil and gas and scale up clean offshore renewables have not been connected. We need everyone – conservationists, businesses, policymakers, philanthropists and activists – to come together and present a cohesive, aligned vision for a 100% clean-ocean energy future. And offshore wind companies must commit to an ocean- and people-first platform.

The ocean has saved us from the worst extremes of the climate crisis so far, but we are running out of time. Getting rid of dirty and dangerous offshore oil and gas and moving to a clean-ocean energy future is the only thing that will save the ocean—and all of us. It’s time to work together. Join us at oceanconservancy.org.