Today, Race for Water renews its commitment to the oceans, and sets sail again with new ambitions : to demonstrate the importance of a healthy Ocean to fight climate change, and to promote solutions for decarbonizing maritime transport. To realize these ambitions, the Race for Water Foundation is launching a new Odyssey in 2024, starting in the Mediterranean Sea.
AN AMBASSADOR SHIP THAT PROVIDES SOLUTIONS
Our historic partner Océan Développement is collaborating with Aeroforce to launch the most energy-efficient zero-carbon ship in the world, the MODX 70. This ship, created and designed by experts in naval architecture, uses the most advanced technologies and is a unique “floating laboratory of innovations”. The inflatable, retractable wings, adaptable to all ships, designed by Aeroforce, provide a disruptive solution to decarbonize maritime transport.
The collaboration between Océan Développent, Aeroforce and the Race for Water Foundation is a perfect alliance for avant-garde and engaging projects. The MODX 70 will become the new ambassador of Zero Emission Ships and ocean conservation.
Dedicated programs to the fight against climate change
Welcome “Ocean & Climate” scientific experts to study the impact of climate change on the Ocean and the importance of marine biodiversity to combat it.
Raise awareness on the importance of the Ocean through the creation of educational content, events organization, and international interventions of the Race for Water’s teams.
Promote and apply “Zero Carbon Emission” technological solutions used on board to contribute to the decarbonization of the maritime world.
2024 MEDITERRANEAN SEA MISSIONS
The Balearic Sea and Islands constitute an alpha zone of the Mediterranean Sea to study the impact of climate change on the ocean. Located in one of the most visited and polluted seas in the world, near the mouth of the Strait of Gibraltar, the islands are under the constant influence of currents, and maritime traffic. Situated on the way of marine species sea corridors, the archipelago has many natural marine protected areas, home to fragile ecosystems and rare marine species.
The island’s seabed holds many meadows of Posidonia, a plant essential for biological carbon sequestration. For our first mission, in collaboration with marine scientists, we will study this protected and threatened species, endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, and its link with climate change.
THE OCEAN ON THE FRONTLINE FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
The ocean has already absorbed more than 90% of excess heat linked to climate change, and 20 to 30% of human-generated CO2 emissions since the 1980s. (Source: IPCC 2019)
The CO2 released by human activities remains in our atmosphere for around two hundred years and causes a lasting effect on climate. we are not currently experiencing climate change, but rather a change in our entire world. It is therefore imperative to adapt and act.
IF THE SHIPING INDUSTRY WERE A COUNTRY, IT WOULD BE THE 6TH LARGEST CO2 EMITTER. LUCKILY, WE CAN USE THE WIND AND THE SUN TO BRING US TO THE FUTURE : DARE TO CHANGE, FOR THE OCEAN.
The ever-increasing volumes of merchandise transported across the globe have brought maritime transport CO2 emissions to the same level as aviation. It is still possible to reverse the trend and give navigation a footprint that is more in harmony with its marine environment. The Race for Water Foundation supports its partners in their work with stakeholders from the maritime sector to decarbonize navigation.
A STRATEGY BASED ON ECO-INNOVATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE
