The ocean covers over 70% of the planet. It is our life source, supporting humanity’s sustenance and that of every other organism on earth.
The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen, it is home to most of earth’s biodiversity, and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world. Not to mention, the ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.
Given all its benefits, the ocean is now in need of support.
With 90% of big fish populations depleted, and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. To protect and preserve the ocean and all it sustains, we must create a new balance, rooted in true understanding of the ocean and how humanity relates to it. We must build a connection to the ocean that is inclusive, innovative, and informed by lessons from the past.
“The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods” is the theme for World Oceans Day 2021, as well as a declaration of intentions that launches a decade of challenges to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goal 14, “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources”, by 2030.
- United Nations
For centuries, people have assumed that our vast ocean was limitless and immune to human impacts. It’s only recently that scientists have come to understand the devastating effects we’ve already had on our seas.
Plastic waste and overfishing take center stage in this case, where human activities pose the gravest of threats to the world's oceans. 80 percent of marine pollution comes from land-based activities. From coral bleaching to sea level rise, entire marine ecosystems are rapidly changing, for the worse.
World Oceans Day was created to inform everyone of the impact of human actions on the ocean. A worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean is needed to mobilize and unite the world's population to act and lead the way for a sustainable management of the world's oceans before it is too late.
Do you want your children to inherit an ocean with zero biodiversity and little knowledge of the beauties of marine wildlife? The day will come where the "Seafood Corner" in the beach resort buffet spread will cease to exist.
Speaking of which Neuhabitat is going vegan for a day, check out our post here and here.
Sources:
https://www.greenpeace.org/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/
https://www.un.org/
Photo by Jeremy Bishop from Pexels