Deep Dives
Thought-provoking research providing extensive learning opportunities
UNESCO-IOC
As Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) emerges around the world as a practical tool for promoting a more rational use of the ocean, it could also play a significant role in promoting the rapid and environmentally sound development of ocean-based activities and growth of the Blue Economy.
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This report summarizes the best available data on U.S. marine energy resources at the national, state, and regional scales. Results are primarily based on U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-funded marine energy resource assessments for wave, tidal currents, ocean currents, ocean thermal gradients, and river currents.
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Advancing Sustainable Development and Protected Area Management with Social Media-Based Tourism Data
Sustainable tourism involves increasingly attracting visitors while preserving the natural capital of a destination for future generations.
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Climate change already affects millions of Americans, from worsening asthma and other respiratory problems to spurring destructive and costly hurricanes, wildfires, heat waves and other extreme weather.
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Ahren Lester, Environmental Finance
This year's edition contains 14 chapters from leading institutions in the green, social and sustainability bond markets analysing the main developments in 2020 and the outlook for 2021. These contributions are supplemented by graphics and data from the EF Bond Database.
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Seasonal or chronic nutrient limitations in the photic zone limit large-scale cultivation of seaweed (macroalgae) in much of the world's oceans, hindering the development of macroalgae as a biofuel feedstock. One possible solution is to supply nutrients using a diel depth-cycling approach, physically moving the macroalgae between deep nutrient-rich water at night and shallow depths within the photic zone during the day.
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This brief sets out the contribution that aquaculture can make to healthy diets and resilient food systems. It provides guidance for policymakers as they consider decisions related to the expansion of aquaculture, balancing issues related to diets and food security, economic growth and employment, and the environment.
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Weren’t able to attend the Accelerating Sustainable Seafood webinar? Find out about its key outcomes.
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Puts forward six key enablers which could be advanced by all systemic shapers to accelerate the sustainable development of the seafood industry - from unlocking sustainable finance and ratifying international conventions, to moving beyond data disclosure, rewarding progress, and incorporating wider food system dimensions into both policy and sustainability-related services.
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Plastic pollution has pervaded almost every facet of the biosphere, yet we lack an understanding of consumption risk by marine species at the global scale.
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Since the industrial revolution, the world’s oceans have become increasingly acidic. The main drivers of ocean acidification in Massachusetts are (1) global increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide resulting from anthropogenic emissions, and (2) local nutrient pollution leading to the eutrophication of coastal waters.
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Trace elements (TEs) frequently contaminate coastal marine sediments with many included in priority chemical lists or control legislation. These, improved waste treatment and increased recycling have fostered the belief that TE pollution is declining. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of long-term robust datasets to support this confidence.
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HM Treasury
Economics is a discipline that shapes decisions of the utmost consequence, and so matters to us all. The Dasgupta Review at last puts biodiversity at its core and provides the compass that we urgently need. In doing so, it shows us how, by bringing economics and ecology together, we can help save the natural world at what may be the last minute – and in doing so, save ourselves.
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HM Treasury
Economics is a discipline that shapes decisions of the utmost consequence, and so matters to us all. The Dasgupta Review at last puts biodiversity at its core and provides the compass that we urgently need. In doing so, it shows us how, by bringing economics and ecology together, we can help save the natural world at what may be the last minute – and in doing so, save ourselves.
Read more → (more than 30 minute read)
HM Treasury
Our economies, livelihoods and well-being all depend on our most precious asset: Nature.
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UNEP FI
The Rising Tide report maps the current state of ocean finance revealing trends in lending, underwriting and investment activities which impact the ocean.
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As more companies and governments make commitments to address plastic pollution, several plastic offset claims and credit schemes have emerged.
We reviewed the current landscape of standards, certifications and credit programs to assess the strengths and weaknesses of current programs and whether they are equipped to help buyers meet their impact objectives.
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Plastics are the most common form of marine debris. They originate with a variety of land and ocean-based sources across industries; enter the water in many ways; and negatively impact the ocean and Great Lakes. Once in the water, plastic debris never fully biodegrades.
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Energy Solutions Fisheries & Aquaculture Plastics & Pollution Shipping & Ports Tourism
President Joseph R. Biden Jr., The White HouseThe United States and the world face a profound climate crisis. We have a narrow moment to pursue action at home and abroad in order to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of that crisis and to seize the opportunity that tackling climate change presents.
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The Global Commission on Adaptation's landmark report, Adapt Now: A Global Call for Leadership on Climate Resilience, puts forward a bold vision for how to transform key systems to be more resilient and productive. Report authors found that adaptation can produce significant economic returns — from 2:1 to 10:1 — as well as numerous social and environmental benefits.
The report, co-authored by WRI, laid the foundation for the Commission's Year of Action and many of the announcements made at the Climate Adaptation Summit.
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