NOAA administrator wins 2011 Blue Planet Prize

Posted on July 28, 2011

July 27, 2011

This year marks the 20th awarding of the Blue Planet Prize, the international environmental award sponsored by the Asahi Glass Foundation, chaired by Tetsuji Tanaka. Two Blue Planet Prizes are awarded to individuals or organizations each year that make outstanding achievements in scientific research and its application, and in so doing help to solve global environmental problems.

Statement from Dr. Jane Lubchenco:

“It is a singular honor to accept the prestigious Blue Planet Prize. I extend my deepest gratitude to the Asahi Glass Foundation, and I applaud the Foundation’s recognition of the importance of science-based environmental conservation.

The people of Japan have an intimate knowledge of the bounty, beauty, and the fury of oceans. All life on Earth is linked to oceans. They are the lifeblood of our “blue” planet, sustaining ecosystems, communities, economies, and our spirits. However, the oceans face numerous threats: climate change, habitat loss, overfishing, and pollution. The resulting degradation and depletion threaten both ocean ecosystems and the numerous benefits they provide to people.

As an ecologist, I have dedicated my career to understanding the impacts of global changes on nature and people, and to finding solutions. As a public servant, I work to implement solutions, raise awareness and provide people with information to make informed decisions – all grounded in science. As a mother, and a grandmother, I passionately want to leave a healthy blue planet for future generations. But only by working together as a global community, with a sense of purpose, urgency and hope, can we achieve the goal of a more sustainable future for our blue planet.”

More on 2011 Blue Planet Prize Winners is available online.

http://www.af-info.or.jp/en/blueplanet/introduction.html

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