Welcome to Green Oceans
Welcome to Green Oceans
Our History
Green Oceans was founded in January 2023 by a non partisan group of community members dedicated to combating climate change without sacrificing biodiversity and the health of the ocean. We strive to protect the ocean by informing the public about imminent threats, including the impact of offshore wind on the marine ecosystem. Protecting the ocean and biodiversity ensures our own survival. A healthy ocean is our best defense against climate change.
Is industrializing our ocean healthy?
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.
Who are the offshore wind developers?
The Danish Oil and Natural Gas company (DONG) is now Ørsted. The Norwegian StatOil is now equinox.
The Danish Oil and Natural Gas company (DONG) is now Ørsted. The Norwegian StatOil is now equinox.
The Danish Oil and Natural Gas company (DONG) is now Ørsted. The Norwegian StatOil is now equinox.
All of the wind developers have roots in the fossil fuel industry.
The Danish Oil and Natural Gas company (DONG) is now Ørsted. The Norwegian StatOil is now equinox.
The Danish Oil and Natural Gas company (DONG) is now Ørsted. The Norwegian StatOil is now equinox.
The Danish Oil and Natural Gas company (DONG) is now Ørsted. The Norwegian StatOil is now equinox.
Where are the offshore wind developments?
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.
Why does Coxes Ledge matter?
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.
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.
Will offshore wind help combat Climate change?
The Government Agency that permits the projects does not expect them to help.
The developers, themselves, never claim offshore wind will help climate change, reduce CO2, or replace fossil fuels.
Nor does BOEM expect the project that will destroy Coxes Ledge to help combat climate change.
Nor does BOEM expect the project that will destroy Coxes Ledge to help combat climate change.
The developers, themselves, never claim offshore wind will help climate change, reduce CO2, or replace fossil fuels.
Nor does BOEM expect the project that will destroy Coxes Ledge to help combat climate change.
The developers, themselves, never claim offshore wind will help climate change, reduce CO2, or replace fossil fuels.
The developers, themselves, never claim offshore wind will help climate change, reduce CO2, or replace fossil fuels.
The developers, themselves, never claim offshore wind will help climate change, reduce CO2, or replace fossil fuels.
Will offshore wind reduce CO2 emissions?
Without adequate battery backup, offshore wind will require 100% backup capacity at all times.
Traditional power plants will have to cycle up and down to accommodate the intermittency of the wind. Such inefficient operation will emit more CO2 for less electricity.
Can the North Atlantic right whale survive?
The North Atlantic right whale is critically endangered, with only 70 remaining reproductively active females and 334 total individuals alive today. Regardless of this critical status, NOAA has granted wind developers over 1000 permissions to harm and harass these whales. This exceeds the size of the entire population.
Will industrializing the ocean harm marine mammals?
NOAA is granting offshore wind developers permission to harm over 20,000 whales.
NOAA is granting offshore wind developers permission to harm almost a half million dolphins.
NOAA is granting offshore wind developers permission to harm almost a half million dolphins.
NOAA is granting offshore wind developers permission to harm almost a half million dolphins.
NOAA is granting offshore wind developers permission to harm almost a half million dolphins.
NOAA is granting offshore wind developers permission to harm almost a half million dolphins.
NOAA is grant offshore wind developers permission to harm over 100,000 seals.
NOAA is granting offshore wind developers permission to harm almost a half million dolphins.
NOAA is grant offshore wind developers permission to harm over 100,000 seals.
Will offshore wind harm endangered birds?
The blades are deceptively fast, traveling at an average speed of 150 mph at the tips. They pose a serious threat to birds and bats.
The blades are deceptively fast, traveling at an average speed of 150 mph at the tips. They pose a serious threat to birds and bats.
The blades are deceptively fast, traveling at an average speed of 150 mph at the tips. They pose a serious threat to birds and bats.
The endangered Piping Plover, a native to Rhode Island, will be in harm's way.
The blades are deceptively fast, traveling at an average speed of 150 mph at the tips. They pose a serious threat to birds and bats.
The blades are deceptively fast, traveling at an average speed of 150 mph at the tips. They pose a serious threat to birds and bats.
The Rhode Island wind projects will occupy a portion of the Atlantic flyway, a major migration route for thousands of birds.
The blades are deceptively fast, traveling at an average speed of 150 mph at the tips. They pose a serious threat to birds and bats.
The Rhode Island wind projects will occupy a portion of the Atlantic flyway, a major migration route for thousands of birds.
Have the developers planned for Decommissioning?
Once built, developers will disassociate themselves from the liability by turning each project into a limited liability company (LLC). BOEM does not require specific decommissioning plans.
Once built, developers will disassociate themselves from the liability by turning each project into a limited liability company (LLC). BOEM does not require specific decommissioning plans.
Once built, developers will disassociate themselves from the liability by turning each project into a limited liability company (LLC). BOEM does not require specific decommissioning plans.
BOEM is changing the regulations so that these energy giants do not have to set aside money for decommissioning within the first decade.
Once built, developers will disassociate themselves from the liability by turning each project into a limited liability company (LLC). BOEM does not require specific decommissioning plans.
Once built, developers will disassociate themselves from the liability by turning each project into a limited liability company (LLC). BOEM does not require specific decommissioning plans.
Some estimate the cost of decommissioning could reach 70% of construction costs. With over 1000 turbines slated for the waters off RI and MA, this could cost over 30 billion dollars.
Once built, developers will disassociate themselves from the liability by turning each project into a limited liability company (LLC). BOEM does not require specific decommissioning plans.
Some estimate the cost of decommissioning could reach 70% of construction costs. With over 1000 turbines slated for the waters off RI and MA, this could cost over 30 billion dollars.
Has offshore wind reduced Europe's use of fossil fuels?
Based on Europe’s experience, renewables without adequate battery backup do not reduce fossil fuel consumption.
Based on Europe’s experience, renewables without adequate battery backup do not reduce fossil fuel consumption.
Based on Europe’s experience, renewables without adequate battery backup do not reduce fossil fuel consumption.
Based on Europe’s experience, renewables without adequate battery backup do not reduce fossil fuel consumption.
Based on Europe’s experience, renewables without adequate battery backup do not reduce fossil fuel consumption.
In theory, Germany has the capacity to produce twice as much electricity as it needs with renewables, yet it still requires coal, wood and natural gas for its electricity.
In theory, Germany has the capacity to produce twice as much electricity as it needs with renewables, yet it still requires coal, wood and natural gas for its electricity.
In theory, Germany has the capacity to produce twice as much electricity as it needs with renewables, yet it still requires coal, wood and natural gas for its electricity.
Denmark imports and burns wood for a quarter of its electricity needs. The emissions from this practice are worse than burning coal.
In theory, Germany has the capacity to produce twice as much electricity as it needs with renewables, yet it still requires coal, wood and natural gas for its electricity.
In theory, Germany has the capacity to produce twice as much electricity as it needs with renewables, yet it still requires coal, wood and natural gas for its electricity.
Can we trust the developers?
Danish wind developer profits from burning coal.
Ørsted has hidden 25 out of 51 technical reports from the public, including the economic impact assessment.
Ørsted has hidden 25 out of 51 technical reports from the public, including the economic impact assessment.
By Will Mathis
November 3, 2022 at 3:23 AM EDT
Ørsted has hidden 25 out of 51 technical reports from the public, including the economic impact assessment.
Ørsted has hidden 25 out of 51 technical reports from the public, including the economic impact assessment.
Ørsted has hidden 25 out of 51 technical reports from the public, including the economic impact assessment.
Ørsted has hidden the air emissions report from the public.
Ørsted has hidden 25 out of 51 technical reports from the public, including the economic impact assessment.
Ørsted has hidden the safety management plan from the public.
Ørsted has hidden the safety management plan from the public.
Ørsted has hidden the emergency response plan from the public.
Ørsted has hidden the safety management plan from the public.
Ørsted has hidden the emergency response plan from the public.
Ørsted has hidden the emergency response plan from the public.
Ørsted has hidden the emergency response plan from the public.
Why doesn't Ørsted want the public to know?
Ørsted has hidden the emergency response plan from the public.
Ørsted has hidden the emergency response plan from the public.
Size comparison
The turbines off RI and MA will be larger than the largest turbine depicted here. They will stand between 873-1100 feet tall, taller than any building in Boston. Larger turbines destroy more ocean floor, generate more heat from their transmission lines, and will be more vulnerable to the stress from the harsh Atlantic environment. Size matters.
What is the impact on our cultural heritage?
Ørsted sill not share this with the public.
Although Ørsted will not share the images, they provide tables that indicate hundreds of turbines will be visible from famous historical sites in Newport and Middletown.
Although Ørsted will not share the images, they provide tables that indicate hundreds of turbines will be visible from famous historical sites in Newport and Middletown.
Although Ørsted will not share the images, they provide tables that indicate hundreds of turbines will be visible from famous historical sites in Newport and Middletown.
Although Ørsted will not share the images, they provide tables that indicate hundreds of turbines will be visible from famous historical sites in Newport and Middletown.
Although Ørsted will not share the images, they provide tables that indicate hundreds of turbines will be visible from famous historical sites in Newport and Middletown.
Hundreds of turbines will be visible from the historic sites in Little Compton, RI.
Although Ørsted will not share the images, they provide tables that indicate hundreds of turbines will be visible from famous historical sites in Newport and Middletown.
Hundreds of turbines will be visible from the historic sites in Little Compton, RI.
Hundreds of turbines will be visible from the historic sites in Westport, MA.
Over 600 treasured sites will be forever marred by the industrialization of the ocean.
Hundreds of turbines will be visible from the historic sites in Little Compton, RI.
Even Tiverton, RI will see over 100 turbines from their historic site.
Over 600 treasured sites will be forever marred by the industrialization of the ocean.
Over 600 treasured sites will be forever marred by the industrialization of the ocean.
Over 600 treasured sites will be forever marred by the industrialization of the ocean.
Over 600 treasured sites will be forever marred by the industrialization of the ocean.
Over 600 treasured sites will be forever marred by the industrialization of the ocean.
Find out more
Why install turbines on Coxes Ledge?
Why install turbines on Coxes Ledge?
Why install turbines on Coxes Ledge?
Shallow depths reduce the cost of construction, but at the price of destroying this unique marine ecosystem. Image from https://www.northeastoceandata.org/.
Will offshore wind impact fishing?
Why install turbines on Coxes Ledge?
Why install turbines on Coxes Ledge?
The developer and the government acknowledge that the overall impact to commercial and recreational fishing will be long-term, negative, and major.
Will offshore wind add jobs?
Why install turbines on Coxes Ledge?
Will offshore wind reduce the cost of electricity?
The developer and BOEM both admit the RI project will decrease the overall number of jobs and will harm the economy in RI.
Will offshore wind reduce the cost of electricity?
Will offshore wind reduce the cost of electricity?
Will offshore wind reduce the cost of electricity?
The U.S. Department of Energy predicts that offshore wind-generated electricity will cost more than any other type of electricity.
Can offshore wind cause other problems?
Will offshore wind reduce the cost of electricity?
Can offshore wind cause other problems?
How many projects are planned?
Will offshore wind reduce the cost of electricity?
Can offshore wind cause other problems?
The US government plans to industrialize 8% of the US continental shelf.
Our Team
Lisa Quattrocki Knight, M.D., Ph.D.
Cofounder and President
As the president of Green Oceans, Dr. 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’s particular interest in whales has fostered a special focus on marine mammal protection, recognizing the vital role these animals play as both indicators and defenders of the ocean's health. Through her leadership, 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.
Bill Thompson
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.
Charlotte Du Hamel
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 industiralization.
Our history
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.
Our mission
As citizens dedicated to combatting 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.