Friend,

As Californians, oceans are extremely important to us, as a source of life, natural beauty, leisure and jobs. Oceans are a life support system for the world, releasing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide, and creating weather that sustains life.

As the climate crisis warms our planet and waters, and greenhouse gasses increase the ocean's levels of carbon dioxide absorption, the oceans are struggling to maintain their important role.

Because California is one of the largest economies in the world, we have an enormous opportunity to shape global policy on climate action that would help save our oceans. Legislation to hold corporations accountable to their total carbon emissions, and legislation to protect the planet's biodiversity would go a long way to protecting our oceans, and our planet.

Unfortunately, the California Legislature is failing to step up and pass the groundbreaking legislation we so desperately need right now. In the last couple weeks, we saw most of our priority climate legislation shelved or die in committee or on the floor, including the Climate Corporate Accountability Act, which would've held the largest corporation accountable by requiring them to disclose their total carbon emissions, and the Human Right to Nature Act, which would've helped advance and promote the state’s goals to protect biodiversity and support our state’s climate goals.

On this World Oceans Day, please join us as we stand up and demand our leaders listen to their constituents. We need bold climate action now! And CLCV needs your support to hold these leaders accountable.