Hi John,

We’re just over a week into 2020 and already the impact of the climate crisis is all too visible. If ever there was a time for governments to act, it’s now.

Scientists say, to avoid the worst effects of climate change, we must protect 30% of our oceans by 2030 [1]. And in two months’ time governments, including the UK’s, have the chance to secure a global treaty that will help make this goal a reality. But the talks are on a knife edge.

Boris Johnson, has said publicly he cares about protecting the oceans, and his government has committed to protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030 [2], but in a climate and nature emergency, what really matters is action, not words.

If the Prime Minister wants to deliver on this promise, and properly protect our oceans and climate, he urgently needs to send a senior minister to lead Global Ocean Treaty negotiations at the UN in March. John, will you tweet Boris now?

A UN Global Ocean Treaty has been in the works for almost 20 years - and March signals the final round of negotiations to get it agreed. If leaders can get it right, it will be a game-changer for our blue planet.

A strong treaty will enable governments to put a third of our global oceans off-limits to destructive industry - giving them time and space to recover and thrive. Protected and healthy oceans would help safeguard wildlife, tackle the climate emergency, as well as deliver food for the billions of people who rely on them [3].

The alternative is a weak treaty. Its loopholes would serve the interests of greedy industry over our planet, and would mean they could continue to pillage the homes of whales, turtles, seabirds and other marine life. This wouldn’t just be bad news for sealife - our survival and that of the oceans are so interlinked, it would spell disaster for us too.

That’s why we desperately need a strong treaty - and the best way to do it is to get decision makers in the negotiating room. If the Prime Minister commits to sending a senior Minister to the UN in New York to lead negotiations, it’ll show crucial leadership and help support bold decisions that might not otherwise be possible.

The more of us who tweet Boris, the more likely we’ll be able to put ocean protection high on the political agenda. John, will you tweet the Prime Minister and ask him to send a senior minister to the talks?

Thanks for all you do,

Sophie and the Oceans team

P.S. John, over the last year, a Greenpeace team of scientists, photographers and campaigners embarked on an epic journey from the Arctic to the Antarctic to document a year in the life of our oceans. Now their awe-inspiring expedition is coming to a town near you! Find out more here: https://secure.greenpeace.org.uk/ocean-exhibition

Notes:
[1] https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/news/30x30-groundbreaking-scientific-study-maps-protect-third-worlds-oceans-2030/
[2] https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/news/a-glimmer-of-hope-for-our-oceans/
[3] https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/news/how-thriving-oceans-can-help-in-the-fight-against-climate-change/

We don't accept any money from companies or governments so we can be independent and challenge anyone who threatens the planet or peace. To help us keep fighting climate change, defending our oceans and protecting ancient forests, you can become a monthly supporter today. Thank you!

If you no longer want to be in the loop with the latest news from these emails, you can unsubscribe here.

You can change the communications you receive from us at any time. Just visit our preference page.

We have recently updated our Privacy Policy where you can find out how we use the information you've given us.

Greenpeace Ltd, Canonbury Villas, London N1 2PN (registered in London no 1314381, VAT registration no 625951426)

This email was sent to: [email protected]