Any energy transition that sacrifices the health of the ocean is neither renewable nor green. This simulation from the BOEM.gov website represents approximately 100 turbines ranging between 16-21 miles from shore.
The Danish Oil and Natural Gas company (DONG) is now Ørsted. The Norwegian StatOil is now Equinor.
All of the wind developers have roots in the fossil fuel industry.
Oil companies hid the effects of fossil fuels on climate change for decades. Can we trust them with the ocean?
The nine offshore wind projects off the coast of RI and MA will industrialize 1400 square miles of ocean with over 1000 turbines, each between 873-1000+ feet tall. These developments will be situated 12.9 miles off the coast of RI, in Coxes Ledge, one of the most fertile marine ecosystems in the world. Rhode Island will only receive 1/18th of the electricity.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management planning areas will cover almost 8% of the US continental shelf along the Atlantic Coast.
Revolution Wind and SouthFork Wind, both approved projects off the coast of Rhode Island, will cover the entire unique marine ecosystem called Coxes Ledge.
Northeast Ocean Data 2023
Coxes Ledge is a terminal glacial moraine, a complex geological formation that supports a diversity of marine species equivalent to a coral reef. Teaming with life, it hosts the endangered North Atlantic right whale during the winter months and is one of the most productive fisheries in New England. https://www.northeastoceandata.org/
Coxes Ledge is one of the only remaining spawning grounds for Southern New England Cod.
Siting offshore turbines and the accompanying inter-array cables on Coxes Ledge will destroy this fragile ecosystem, will threaten the survival of Southern New England Cod, and will risk driving the North Atlantic right whale into extinction.
Scientists at NOAA have repeatedly warned BOEM, the government agency that permits offshore wind projects, that constructing offshore wind on Coxes Ledge could drive Atlantic cod to extinction. Yet, the US government has repeatedly ignored their warnings. -Letter from NOAA to BOEM
BOEM ignores the risk to cod and permits both projects regardless of NOAA's concerns.
Cofounder and President
As the president of Green Oceans, Dr. Elizabeth (Lisa) Quattrocki Knight brings scientific expertise and dedication to the organization. Dr. Quattrocki Knight’s background in neuroscience and psychiatry enables her to recognize the crucial role that a healthy environment plays in promoting mental health and overall societal well-being. She employs her scientific expertise to develop evidence-based strategies to address the current tension between climate advocacy and marine conservation.
Dr. Quattrocki Knight service on educational boards, including the Yale School of Management, the Yale Medical Alumni, American Repertory Theater, and the Stanford Parents Board has provided her valuable organizational experience. Through her leadership and background, Green Oceans has launched initiatives to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect the ocean and all of the life it sustains against industrialization. She advocates for climate solutions that will allow us to transition away from fossil fuels without compromising biodiversity and the health of the ocean.
Cofounder
As an internationally renowned artist, Bill Thompson brings a unique and profound vision to Green Oceans. His communication skills allow him to touch the hearts and minds of diverse individuals with varied, even contrary points of view. His commitment, dedication, and passion have advanced the mission to advocate for responsible, safe, collaborative solutions to climate change. Deeply respectful of the power and beauty of nature, he works tirelessly to help protect our oceans for future generations.
Director
As a devoted Montessori teacher, Charlotte nurtures young minds and cares about the world her students will inherit. In the classroom, she fosters an environment that encourages exploration, independence, and a genuine love of learning. Outside the classroom, she embraces the awe that nature brings to her life and brings her teaching skills to advance the mission of Green Oceans. Charlotte's commitment to education and her unwavering adoration for the ocean create a harmonious blend that fuels her journey to combat climate change while protecting the ocean against industrialization.
We recognized the urgent need to advocate for the ocean when we discovered the harm that industrializing 1400 square miles of ocean waters with 1000 plus turbines off the coast of RI and MA will impose on this fertile yet fragile ecosystem.
As citizens dedicated to combating climate change with real solutions, we aim to protect the ocean and all of the life it sustains, from the largest whale to the smallest plankton.