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Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) spoke last night on the House floor to again urge GOP leadership to address the need to act on the issue of climate change. Tonko pointed to the dangers climate change poses to the nation’s food supply and employment infrastructure potential held by the world’s oceans as yet another reason why the House should work together and address this present and growing threat.

Click here to watch Rep. Tonko’s speech and see below for a full transcript:

Oceans cover 70 percent of the Earth's surface.  They are home to a vast number of organisms that form an intricate food web -- one that the world has relied on for high quality protein and steady employment for generations. 

But, if we continue on our current path we will face a serious decline in these essential resources. 

The ocean has been absorbing nearly one fourth of the carbon emissions we release every day. 

We think of the oceans as too big to fail, but we are altering their physical, chemical, and biological characteristics at an increasing pace.

The ocean is warming, current patterns are changing, salinity and acidity are changing, sea level is rising, and many fisheries are being overexploited. 

It is long-past time for us to address climate change -- to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and manage our coastal waters and the oceans in a more sustainable way.

Oceans have sustained life on this planet for thousands of years.  We should act now to ensure they continue to do so for thousands more. 

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