Wanted: A Sea-change in Climate Finance for Oceans
The oceans are inextricably connected to the health of the planet, and of humans: they absorb up to 30% of annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 90% of excess heat, and over 3 billion people — almost half the global population — depend directly on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods.Healthy coastal ecosystems are also critical to the world’s ability to withstand the impact of climate change. Not only do mangrove forests, for example, hold four times the amount of carbon per hectare as tropical forests…
BHP Billiton's Conservation Efforts on the World Stage
Thousands of conservation experts from around the world, including environmental scientists from BHP Billiton, are in Sydney for the 2014 World Parks Congress (WPC). WPC is the preeminent conservation forum and is held every 10 years to share best-practice knowledge in managing protected wilderness areas. BHP Billiton Senior Manager Environment, Erika Korosi joined partnership organisations Conservational International, Tasmanian Land Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy to showcase their collaborative approach to conservation projects. Ms Korosi said she was excited by the opportunity to share knowledge and outcomes from BHP Billiton’s programs at this globally significant event.
Environmental Balance
by John W. As a designer of ships, and president of a vessel design company, I know the shipbuilding industry is made up of people who recognize the importance of ferries, cruise ships and other maritime vessels to our economy. These same people also care a great deal about the marine environment in which our ships operate. That's why reports by environmental groups criticizing the marine industry for supposed ecological offenses leave a bad taste in the mouths of those who know the whole story. For example, a recent report on cruise ships by the Oceans Conservancy (Hertz and Davis, Cruise Control, May 2004) states, "Some of the pollutants generated by these giant ships daily include as much as 37…
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Award Conservation Grants
The Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises Ocean Fund awarded $796,000 on March 30 in 15 new grants to marine conservation and environmental organizations, including a $100,000 grant to The Conservation Fund for its Alaska land preservation program and a $100,000 grant to Conservation International for its campaign to conserve Caribbean biodiversity. Almost $9 million has been awarded to 64 non-profit organizations working to protect the marine environment since the fund’s inception in 1996. The mission of the Ocean Fund is to support efforts to restore and maintain a healthy marine environment, minimize the impact of human activity on this environment, and promote awareness of ocean and coastal issues and respect for marine life.
ICCL and CI Launch Project to Protect Sensitive Marine Areas
should be avoided. chaired by internationally recognized marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle. recognized on navigation charts. current operational practices by ICCL member lines to protect the environment. advanced wastewater purification system). cruise ship. identified by a GIS study commissioned by the science panel. biodiversity," said Dr. director of CI's Global Marine Division. recommendation can be carried out. operations. cruise industry by the seven-member independent science panel. through the U.S. practices. http://www.iccl.org. marine environment. world's oceans," said Michael Crye, ICCL president. science panel's recommendations and determine how to best implement them. wastewater discharges, storm water runoff and marine vessels.
