Conference Presentation, Panel
What's Next for Oceans? | Global Conference 2025
- Decisions made today regarding the ocean are projected to impact future generations up to 18,000 years ahead, with a critical recovery window for deep-sea growth potentially requiring nine times the current calendar duration if damaged.
- Hawaii plans to sign the climate impact fee (0.75% rate) into law in June, a measure expected to generate $100 million in hard money and up to $2 billion in bonded revenue annually to fund sensors, infrastructure, and sea safety.
- Global climate thresholds of 1.5°C and 2.5°C are identified as critical markers; missing these targets is expected to cause ocean acidification and mass marine life loss, while sea-level rise will force migration in island nations.
- Deep-sea mining poses significant risks, including the destruction of unknown life forms and economic asset losses due to shifting market preferences away from cobalt toward sodium-lithium batteries.
- Philanthropy and technology are expected to fill the gap left by a 25-year low in government science investment, with the Schmidt Ocean Institute offering free research ships and funding projects where grants are unavailable.
- Technological costs for ocean observation are on a downward curve, with autonomous vessels and sensors enabling new scientific careers and allowing deep-sea life to be monitored at depths of 400 to 4,000 feet.
- International environmental regulations are expected to advance regardless of US participation, with 150 countries implementing emissions restrictions and the upcoming UN oceans conference in Nice expected to provide a framework for NGOs and investors.
- Coastal infrastructure is expected to require a shift from 20-year lifespans to 100-year resilience targets, utilizing space-based data and rust-resistant steel to withstand accelerating storm surges.
- The current economic value of the ocean is estimated at $24 trillion annually, yet less than 1% of environmental philanthropy is directed toward ocean preservation, despite 71% of the planet being ocean and 75% of it unmapped.
- Specific research losses totaling $30 to $50 million occurred in 100 days, while the University of Hawaii conducted $700 million in research volume, with a special session scheduled for October to address backlogged studies.