The Earth's climate is dynamic, changing many times during the planet's history. These changes were caused by natural cycling and large, periodic events such as massive volcanic eruptions and shifts in the Earth's orbit. However for the past 200 years, human activity has created a sustained and growing impact. The burning of fossil fuels and deforestation has changed the temperature and composition of the atmosphere and the ocean and therefore very likely are influencing the Earth's climate. Below are several links to information and activities about climate change, the causes and impacts of climate change, the impacts and role of the ocean in climate change and the impact on the environment.
In December 2004, President Bush submitted the "U.S. Ocean Action Plan" to Congress in response to the recommendation made by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. The activities outlined in the Administration’s response will help assure that the benefits we currently derive from our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes, will be available to future generations.
In the first thorough review of ocean policy in 34 years, the Pew Oceans Commission released a host of recommendations in 2003 to guide the way in which the federal government will successfully manage America’s marine environment. The report found that more than 60 percent of America’s coastal rivers and bays are degraded by nutrient runoff. Crucial species like groundfish and salmon are under assault from overfishing. Invasive species are establishing themselves in the nation’s coastal waters. The Final Report of the Pew Oceans Commission finds that proven, workable solutions to the crisis in our oceans exist, but such successes will remain the exception rather than the rule until we chart a new course for ocean management.