$1.5 Million, the WSL and a New Program to Save our Oceans

Don’t environmentally friendly, sustainability, philanthropy and 1.5 million dollars have a sweet ring to it? The WSL has just unveiled their newest endeavor, the launch of WSL PURE, a program so bold it requires cap locks. The goal: giving back to surfing’s most important vessel; that dirty old ocean.

“All of us at the World Surf League want to give back to the oceans, and it’s time to get serious,” said WSL CEO, Mr Paul Speaker. “The launch of WSL PURE and our very special partnership with Columbia University are the first steps in what we hope will become a global movement among our community and beyond, to protect the waters that are both our home and our playing field. By creating a generation of “surfer scientists,” we aspire to create a voice for the oceans and to inspire and empower our global fan base and partners to become better informed about the issues plaguing the oceans, while providing educational opportunities so that we can become an important part of real-world solutions.”

They’ve contributed a cushy 1.5 million dollars in funding to support Lamont-Doherty scientist’s research including but not limited to; ocean health and ecosystems, ocean acidification, sea-level rise and the role ocean’s play in climate change.

Striving to keep this crystal blue intimidation, crystal blue.

The scientists and Columbia University’s professors and students alike are stoked on the program and additional funding. “The funding provided by WSL PURE provides unique flexibility and freedom,” Sonya Dyhrman told the WSL. “This will allow me to push my work into new directions and pursue the most pressing research in a bold and innovative way.”

“We are proud to be the launch partner of WSL PURE,” Jason Wingard, dean of the School of Professional Studies told the WSL. “Investing in programming in the field of ocean science will prepare future generations of scientists, citisens and expert practitioners who will have a broad and positive impact on our environment’s future.”

Concerns about the state of our oceans have been increasing over the years, damage has been done and this program aims to combat the ongoing problems at sea. “Just last week, Australian scientists reported that 95 percent of the northern half of the Great Barrier Reef was bleached by warming waters,” Peter de Menocal, oceanographer, professor and director of the Columbia Center for Climate and Life at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory told the WSL. “We’re basically playing catch up to understand what the changes mean for us and the planet.”

Will this save the world? Probs not, but it’s a step in the right direction to solve the issues our wasteful species has bred.