"We face enormous hurdles in our struggle to overcome the climate crisis. Finally we have an ally in the Oval Office who values science and truth. We stand with President Biden and Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry in their efforts to take aggressive action to secure a sustainable future for us all."

-Philippe Cousteau

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With yesterday's inauguration of Joe Biden as President of the United States, we asked our youth leaders, staff, and board of directors their hopes for this new administration's environmental efforts. Here’s what they had to say:

• "I would like to see the new administration of the U.S. develop and implement more policies focused on environmental justice which will affect underrepresented communities. These policies will provide protection and opportunities for cleaner environments and healthier communities." -Porsche Ray (Staff)
• I have full confidence that this administration is going to amplify the voices of diverse scientists and use peer-reviewed scientific research to address climate change and protect our ocean. One way this can be done is by enacting the Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act of 2020 and making the commitment to protect our marine ecosystems and the many communities that rely on them. -Olivia Blondheim (YLC/Board of Directors)
• "I'm excited to see the new administration listen to youth demands for bold environmental and climate legislation." -Sadie Blancaflor (YLC)
• "I would like to see elected officials and the new administration elevate youth voices not simply for the sake of inclusion but because they value the unique perspectives that we provide." -Madison Toonder (YLC)
• "I want to see the billions of dollars of government subsidies supporting the fossil fuel industries going towards renewable energy sources." -Lili Zebluim (YLC)
• I hope that the Biden administration can make climate a bipartisan issue, and they can unite the country to rejoin the Paris Agreement, invest in clean energy, and work with local communities to combat environmental injustice. -Amelia Fortgang (Water Challenge Ambassador)
• "I hope to see strategies that build relevance around ocean issues and global policy. We can dispel the past disinformation campaigns against our ocean and environment through bigger, broader, more diverse communications to establish connection understanding that saving our ocean saves us. We must have a President that speaks more about how ocean and climate health is impacting people's lives not in the future but right now.” -Mia DeMezza (Staff)

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