Oceans of Thanks - 2017

This year the world has seen a lot of changes. Natural phenomena and extreme weather continue to break records while the world’s political systems undergo transformations. In the midst of it all, Ocean Futures Society remains a dedicated voice and vision for advancing ocean conservation. It is because of your support we can continue to share the mission of inspiring and educating people around the world to protect our ocean home. As the close of this year approaches, I am reminded that I will soon be celebrating my 80th trip around the sun on our water planet. In this time, I have seen many changes and transformations, yet I feel more hopeful for the future now than ever before.

People around the world are more connected. As record-breaking wildfires burn across the western United States and catastrophic hurricanes like Harvey, Irma, and Maria barrel through the Atlantic and Caribbean, global communities come together. In times of crisis, we find the best in our human selves. Today, the crisis of our climate and environment are right before our eyes. The opportunities for action have never been more urgent or appropriate. This year I have had the honor of meeting with the Prime Minster of Fiji on climate change, adaptation, and solutions for island nations. And I shared the message for urgent government action at the recent COP23 UN Climate Conference last week in Bonn, Germany.

Earlier this summer was the first UN forum to address the urgent need to improve ocean health. The UN Ocean Conference was a landmark event for international ocean stewardship. Held June 3 to 8 in New York City, there were more than 6,000 governmental leaders, academics, activists, environmental organizations, and artists gathered from around the world to discuss ways to protect our global oceans.

Since the Climate Change Conference at COP21 in Paris, back in December 2015, I have been advocating for action – for every country in the world to commit to following through with the legally binding agreement to combat climate change and transition towards a resilient, clean-energy future. I believe that now more than ever, global leaders must stand together to achieve solvable sustainable solutions.

For almost 80 years I’ve had the privilege to enjoy the wealth of our natural world.

I will never stop sharing my stories on the immense value of healthy ecosystems and the success stories of collaboration and conservation. My team and I would not be able to do this work without you, and for that we thank you. We will continue to inspire and educate by reaching out to public, private and elected officials on critical ocean issues, and educating the leaders of tomorrow to act more wisely for a sustainable future.

Together we create positive change, the main ingredient to our success is YOU!

To express our gratitude, we offer a delicious plant-based recipe to brighten your holiday season and as a reminder to act kindly towards the water planet that sustains us. Cheers to many more years ahead as we work together to create the future we want. Bon appétit!

Oceans of Thanks,