High-Quality Blue Carbon: Developing Guidance for an Emergent Carbon Market

The triple benefit of blue carbon   Coastal ecosystems, which include mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and tidal marshes, are increasingly recognized as a critical nature-based solution for mitigating climate change. The carbon that is captured from the atmosphere by these ecosystems is referred to as “blue carbon”. As blue carbon investments gain attention in the voluntary … Continued

“Acercamiento”: Community Engagement in Mexico

This past year has been a difficult one. From the pandemic, to natural disasters, to global political and social unrest, none of us have escaped unscathed in our personal or professional lives. Adding to that is the increasing urgency to implement transformative solutions that address climate change—a task that often feels insurmountable. When I’m feeling … Continued

Celebrating Our Interconnected Ocean

Every year, June 8 marks World Oceans Day—the UN-designated date to “to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans.” Lofty goals for a … Continued

Oceans of change: Making my way in a new era of solution-building

“Oceans are warming at the same rate as if five Hiroshima bombs were dropped in every second.” My first reaction to this sensational, attention grabbing headline? This sounds both ridiculous and terrifying. But as a self-proclaimed ocean wonk, I know that this coverage belies a new—and yes, at times terrifying—reality. There may be no greater … Continued

Re-imagining Plastics in the Sargasso Sea

Imagine swimming through the clearest and bluest water you’ve ever seen knowing that there is more than 5,000 feet between you and the ocean floor. Imagine swimming into a beautiful patch of sargassum – floating seaweed that supports an incredible diversity of species – and realizing, as you dive around and under, that the patch … Continued

Oh Deer! We have a whale of a problem (with plastic waste in the ocean)

Driving with my daughter one Saturday morning in suburban Maryland, we came upon a disturbing sight – an injured doe desperately trying to stand after being hit by a car. Several cars had stopped and strangers were grouped around her, ready to stop traffic at all costs to guide her to safety. But she faltered … Continued