Doing Our Part
These letters exemplify how our team is working to push our representatives and corporations to do better and help us protect our beautiful marine ecosystems. Each policy paper is catered towards a specific policy that will help these threatened species and ecosystems, and their recipients are distinguished individuals who have the power to instigate these changes.
Samantha Power
October 27, 2021
1 Grand Ave.
San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401
The Honorable Samantha Power
U.S. Agency for International Development
1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW 5.08C-111 RRB
Washington, DC 20523
Dear Representative Power,
I am writing to you as a constituent and concerned undergraduate university student from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. As the climate crisis progresses, I am writing to you in order to urge your support in aiding Small Island Developing States (SIDS) from being submerged into the Pacific Ocean by the end of the century. This looming disaster can be alleviated through financial support and investment in the Debt for Climate Adaptation Swap Initiative created by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean in partnership with the Commonwealth.
Nations such as Haiti, Comoros, Tuvalu, Cuba, Papua New Guinea, and the Maldives are a few of several examples of SIDs as they are geographically remote and low-lying islands that are highly susceptible to sea level rise and major storms (Mead, 2021). In order to help these at-risk islands, reliable access to climate financing is necessary yet hard to come by as most of these island nations’ efforts to implement green infrastructure have been stifled by high energy costs, limited communication networks, and lack of sufficient transportation. These SIDs have small economies of scale that rely heavily on energy and food imports. Food imports often account for 80% of their food consumption, whereas energy accounts for the highest import shares of these in order to ensure these island nation communities can generate electricity and run transportation services (IRENA, 2017). This lack of diversity in each SID’s economy makes them suffer any shocks at high intensity, and suppresses much of their ability to build infrastructure due to these financial risks for high debt.
The EPA’s financial contribution to the Debt for Climate Adaptation Swap Initiative can help these SIDs develop the necessary infrastructure that alleviates risks of being submerged before it is too late. The structure of this program allows for these islands to receive this financial support without high debt, yet donating nations undergo no repercussions for these loans and donations because it is compromised by their funds that are already allocated towards international climate change adaptation and protection (The Commonwealth, 2014). This swap is fulfilled by avoiding the process of repurchasing debt on the secondary market but rather unlocking secondary market funds through multilateral debt swaps.
By investing existing climate funding, we can prevent the nations that contribute the least to climate change from experiencing the worst of its effects. If the EPA invests in this measure, agreements with each of the borrowing SID nations stating that they will invest a quantifiable portion of the debt service obligation into financing for climate change adaptation and mitigation activities, which is the major reason why they would need these loans in the first place and offers them more proportional debt relief (The Commonwealth, 2014). As these financial loans are not a permanent solution, investments from a highly developed nation such as the United States could significantly aid these SIDs in acquiring economic resilience to climate change.
I urge you to support the Debt for Climate Adaptation Swap Initiative which will save many highly marginalized at-risk communities from this accelerating climate crisis. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you or your staff would like any additional information regarding this initiative. I look forward to hearing from you regarding this, and I hope to see your team support this cause.
Sincerely,
Maryam Abutabikh
Undergraduate Student
References:
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The Commonwealth. (2014). Commonwealth Debt Swaps initiative. YouTube. YouTube. Retrieved October 28, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYSfZ_kZwrk&t=48s.
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International Renewable Energy Agency. (2017). Finding a way to transform energy on islands. Retrieved October 28, 2021 from https://www.irena.org/newsroom/articles/2017/Jan/Finding-a-Way-to-Transform-Energy-on-Islands
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Mead, L., Leila, Ban, Peter, & Achim. (2021, March 29). Small islands, large oceans: Voices on the frontlines of Climate Change. International Institute for Sustainable Development. Retrieved October 28, 2021, from https://www.iisd.org/articles/small-islands-large-oceans-voices-frontlines-climate-change.
Salud Carbajal
3860 South Higuera,
San Luis Obispo,
California
93401
The Honorable Salud Carbajal,
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative Carbajal,
I am writing to you as a 17 year old college student attending Cal Poly University currently here, in the 24th California District with regards to the ongoing effects of climate change in our communities here in San Luis Obispo and surrounding towns, specifically in the waters. Your stance on climate change is amazing, it is uplifting to hear you are on many people’s side listening to the issues of our state; this message to you serves almost as a warning or reminder to continue the fight for climate change, with conservation efforts being raised into the marine ecosystems.
The rising sea levels and the fact that the climate is warming means towns like Morro Bay here near San Luis Obispo are in danger of becoming overwhelmed with water levels, damaging land ecosystems and potential homeowners and families living on the coast. Effects of climate change seen through ocean warming and level rise are erosion due to more random and severe weather, cliff failures and flooding; with Morro Bay being very close to the ocean, this presents clear danger, and local scientists predict a 2 meter water rise that can affect Morro Bay and Los Osos. As sea levels rise, habitats that are usually safe from flooding could be at risk and salt water could mix with ground level water, spelling dangers for the ecosystems on shore and inundation through “King Tides” for residents in Northern Morro Bay.;
The worry for our oceans should be met with serious intentions, we as a local community can do our parts, but I as a student and 17 year old who looks forward to cherishing the beauty of our local coastline and towns in the future, ask you the representative of our district to further venture into the conservation of marine ecosystems and the battle for climate change by further establishing demands for marine climate change reform. This issue of ocean level and rise and climbing temperatures is seen all throughout California and does not pertain to any one city’s issues, however the battle can remain strong by reminding people like yourself that the effects of climate change will only grow.
Sincerely,
Damian Gutierrez
Sources:
Exxon Mobil
October 31, 2021
Allison Wild
1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo
Darren Woods
CEO Of Exxon Mobil
5959 Las Colinas Boulevard, Irving Texas 75039
Dear Mr. Woods
I am writing to you as a student at California Polytechnic State University with specific interest in how your company influences the climate change effects of the ocean. Today I am urging your support on the reduction of products that advance the negative effects of climate change. You and your company possess the influence and investment power to prevent the further spread of these negative effects (“Advancing Climate Solutions.”).
As you should be aware the negative effects of climate change can be directly linked to the business that you are running. All the products that you produce and sell emit a large sum of carbon dioxide with utilized which is one of the biggest drivers of climate change. In the marine ecosystem the effects of Climate Change include coral bleaching, food chain disruption, sea level rise and extinction of some species. Around 20% of the United States climate emissions are due to oil, gas, and coal extracted in the U.S (“Report: Oil and Gas Drilling on Public Lands Is Fueling Climate Change.”). This is a huge portion that must be reduced. Some choose to think that the consumer must oversee sparking change in a market through demand principles, but I disagree. I think that this a community effort and that everyone must be involved especially companies as big and influential as Exxon Mobil. You have the power and resources to change to market through the supply (“Fossil Fuel Emitters and Climate Change: Unpacking the Governance Activities of Large Oil and Gas Companies.”).
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As these unreversible changes are happening to the marine ecosystem it is important that we are aware and begin to make changes to prevent these things. Some changes that can be made are moving your investments to other forms of energy and moving the supply of power to renewable sources. While wind and solar power sources are ramping up is it important to remember that these sources often fluctuate, and it is necessary to integrate a complimentary source that is reliable. Natural gas can be integrated into energy poor regions to help stabilize their supplies. While natural gas is not always seen as a renewable energy it is important to the stabilization of the market and has lesser effects on the marine ecosystem. Another option for you and your investors is to disinvest in the oil industry and direct the market into full renewable energy sources such as wind and solar (Maennling). This will help reduce the effects of climate change overall and more specifically on the marine ecosystem.
Thank you for taking the time today to read this descriptive letter. I am extremely hopeful that you will take these topics to heart and expand the capacity of your Exxon Mobil. There is a lot at stake for the future of your company and also the future of our oceans so please proceed with caution and make the decisions for the greatest good of all. As you will soon see this greater good will in tern result in your Exxon Mobil leading the market into a more sustainable future.
Sincerely,
Allison Wild
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Works Cited
“Fossil Fuel Emitters and Climate Change: Unpacking the Governance Activities of Large Oil and Gas Companies.” Taylor & Francis, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09644016.2017.1320832?scroll=top&needAccess=true.
How Oil and Gas Companies Can Help Meet the Global Goals On Energy and Climate Change. (n.d.). Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
Joe Blommaert President Low Carbon Solutions, et al. “Advancing Climate Solutions.” ExxonMobil, https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/Climate-solutions/Advancing-climate-solutions#Advancingclimatesolutions.
“Report: Oil and Gas Drilling on Public Lands Is Fueling Climate Change.” The Wilderness Society, https://www.wilderness.org/news/blog/report-oil-and-gas-drilling-public-lands-fueling-climate-change#:~:text=Catering%20public%20lands%20to%20fossil,coal%20extracted%20on%20those%20lands.
Ben Sasse
Katie Smith
California Polytechnic State University
123 Klamath Rd.
San Luis Obispo, CA,93410
The Honorable Ben Sasse
U.S. Senate
129 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Sasse:
I am writing to you as a California Polytechnic State University undergraduate student regarding the urgent issue of coral bleaching. Coral reefs help support around 25% of all marine life. Their purpose in ocean ecosystems is critical, and they are a major part of the success and survival of other organisms. That being said, coral bleaching, which is when "corals lose their vibrant colors and turn white" (Hancock), is a considerable threat to the overall functioning of marine life. While many factors influence coral bleaching, it is thought to be primarily caused by climate change, specifically ocean warming. Driven by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, ocean warming is when the ocean's surface temperature rises. I am writing to inform you of the importance of coral reefs, the impacts of coral bleaching, and what can be done to address this problem and urge you to continue supporting efforts to address climate change.
Though I have lived in Nebraska my entire life, I recently moved to San Luis Obispo to go to school on the Central Coast of California. Being close to the ocean for the past few months, I have seen firsthand the effects of plastic pollution. My experiences here have caused me to reflect on my impact on the environment, specifically the ocean. When I was living back home in Nebraska, it was difficult to understand how what was going on there affected the larger scheme of problems occurring underwater. The natural world is interconnected so that the health of the human population is not possible without sustaining the health of the Earth. Every person has a part to play in the world in the same way that every animal, plant, and organism plays a role in the environment. Humans have continued to further distinguish and separate ourselves from what we have labeled the natural environment, but that mindset is only hindering efforts to save the planet. In that same way, I believe coral bleaching is a problem that affects everyone. The oceans are a vital aspect of life on the Earth, and coral reefs, in particular, are home to some of the world's most biologically diverse and unique ecosystems. The Great Barrier Reef is a prime example of this, as it is considered the largest living organism on the planet and stretches 344,400 square km (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority). Its size and uniqueness are incomparable to any other structure on Earth, meaning that it is home to many species that rely on it daily to survive.
With the continuous warming of the planet caused by the increased output of greenhouse gases, coral reefs are not getting enough nutrients to survive. Coral bleaching can also occur due to too much exposure to sunlight, pollution, and other factors, but as little as a 2 degrees Fahrenheit change in water temperature can lead to significant harm. A critical thing to note about coral bleaching is that it is extremely difficult for them to be revitalized and helped once reefs die. Scientists believe that in the past fifteen years, around "30% of the world's coral reefs have perished and another 6% are expected to die in the next two years" (Climate Foundation). While the ocean is vast and that percentage doesn't seem too large, it tells us that humans are doing great harm to every aspect of life on the planet, as the dying coral sends ripple effects across the environment. The loss of reefs leaves species in trouble without habitats, food, and other important resources that coral provides to them.
Many organizations prioritize supporting the oceans and marine life, and one that is doing work to combat coral bleaching specifically is the Climate Foundation. They have researched the process of coral bleaching and discovered that one solution is for reef managers to "deploy portable thermal management systems to ensure reef survival through major thermal bleaching events" (Climate Foundation). Coral bleaching is a sign that the corals are experiencing heat stress. Cooler water can help them survive, so the new technology being developed is a significant advancement to alleviate this issue. Another critical part of helping save coral reefs is to educate people on the topic and what actions they can take to address it. Many people are oblivious to how their actions affect the greater world, so bringing light to the problem and how it influences the well-being of other organisms is vital for them to sympathize with the issue.
I urge you to continue fighting for climate change, and I hope you now recognize how significant the issue of coral bleaching is. If you want additional information regarding this topic, don't hesitate to get in touch with me directly. I look forward to continuing to inform you about news and any progress regarding our important coral reefs.
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Sincerely,
Katie Smith
Sources:
Cave, Damien, and Justin Gillis. (2017, May 5). Large Sections of Australia's Great Reef Are Now Dead, Scientists Find. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/15/science/great-barrier-reef-coral-climate-change-dieoff.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-coRlumn-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0.
Climate Foundation. Coral Reef Cooling. Retrieved from https://www.climatefoundation.org/reversing-coral-bleaching.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw_fiLBhDOARIsAF4khR0em7ReyN6OYMpDBPGsZrJ4PzNkAe8kte9vFJK89e-3ZgXoDdRmMsoaAvAcEALw_wcB.
World Wildlife fund. Everything You Need to Know about Coral Bleaching-and How We Can Stop It. from https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/everything-you-need-to-know-about-coral-bleaching-and-how-we-can-stop-it.
Julia Roberson, et al. (2017, May 10). “Restoring Endangered Coral Reefs.” Ocean Conservancy. Retrieved from https://oceanconservancy.org/blog/2016/07/28/restoring-endangered-coral-reefs2/?ea.tracking.id=20HPXGJAXX&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_fiLBhDOARIsAF4khR0D0Gvk4cqFHfgVdGyoUy98ii4rBFg_05JcVKHXWQRYoBKkb7ZaJrYaAhvgEALw_wcB.
“GBRMPA. Reef Facts. Retrieved from https://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/the-reef/reef-facts.