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Salesforce Unveils New Policy Priorities to Protect the Ocean

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According to a Salesforce survey, nearly 9 in 10 people believe the long-term health of the ocean will impact them personally

New Salesforce policy priorities will guide the company’s support for ocean health regulations, investments, innovations, and partnerships

Ocean action is climate action. Bold leadership is imperative for creating a just and sustainable future where everyone can thrive. 

Today, in celebration of World Oceans Day, we are unveiling new policy priorities that aim to drive meaningful action to protect the ocean from the impacts of climate change and harness ocean-based solutions to reduce global emissions. Salesforce’s Ocean-Climate Policy Priorities will guide our ocean policy work in three key areas: marine ecosystems and coastal communities, plastic pollution, and large-scale emissions reductions. 

In addition, Salesforce commissioned new research through The Harris Poll to better understand public sentiments towards ocean conservation. This research found that nearly 89% of people believe that the long-term health of the oceans will impact them personally. 

It is our goal that Salesforce’s commitment and engagement on ocean and climate issues will inspire others to take action, including individuals, our corporate peers, and decision makers.

Why Salesforce is focused on the ocean

The ocean is critical to the health of the planet and the fight against climate change. The ocean covers 70% of the Earth’s surface, providing a home to countless fish, mammals, plants, and birds, and serving as a food source for billions of people around the world. It is also an important natural carbon sink that absorbs carbon dioxide from the air. 

Despite the many benefits it provides, our ocean and coasts are home to some of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet.  

Government and businesses can play a role in ocean conservation

From declining marine ecosystems to the collapse and mass bleaching of coral reefs including Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, climate change is already taking its toll on the ocean. Glaciers are melting, causing sea-level rise and ‘drowning’ natural and human-made barriers such as mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and seawalls. These events pose a clear threat to the coastal communities that depend on a healthy ocean for their home and livelihoods. 

Both government and businesses must take action. Our survey results found that 92% of people believe the government is responsible or somewhat responsible for protecting ocean health. But businesses also have a critical role to play, as 90% of respondents believe businesses share in this responsibility. 

These results show clear public support for ocean protection as a collective effort. This is why Salesforce is investing in advocating for strong ocean and climate policy.

Salesforce establishes Ocean-Climate Policy Priorities to drive climate solutions 

According to the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, as much as a fifth of the emissions cuts needed to limit global heating to 1.5°C could come from ocean-based solutions. 

Salesforce created these Ocean-Climate Policy Priorities to serve as a basis for our advocacy and policy engagement, critical activities as outlined in our Climate Action Plan and our Global Climate Policy Priorities

  • Protect and restore marine ecosystems and coastal communities: Protecting marine areas, leveraging coastal ecosystems as natural infrastructure for adaptation, and scaling equitable market-based solutions to accelerate ecosystem restoration and conservation. For example, Salesforce advocated for U.S Congressional conference committee members to include a number of ambitious oceans and climate provisions in the final Bipartisan Innovation and Competition Act
  • Avoid and reduce plastic pollution: Advancing solutions to keep plastics out of the environment and within a circular economy while also curtailing related carbon emissions. For example, Salesforce supported the passage of HB33-135 which will establish an extended producer responsibility law for packaging, including plastics. Salesforce also plans to engage in the development of a new UN Plastics Agreement to help end plastic pollution. 
  • Avoid and reduce large-scale emissions: Accelerate the world’s journey to net zero by supporting policies that harness ocean-based solutions such as zero-emissions shipping and the responsible deployment of offshore wind energy worldwide. For example, last month, Salesforce submitted a public comment on responsible offshore wind in California. 

Salesforce climate investments extend beyond the ocean

Today’s announcement is only the latest demonstration of our long-standing commitment to sustainability. Recent Salesforce climate initiatives include: 

Join us in ocean and climate action 

Join us to accelerate ocean climate action. Working together, we can drive progress for climate, equality, justice, and a healthy planet beyond what any one of us can achieve alone. 

Learn more on Salesforce’s Sustainability website. 

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