World Oceans Day is commemorated on June 8, in order to remember that they are the main lungs of the planet, as they are responsible for generating much of the oxygen. In addition, the oceans are home to most of the Earth’s biodiversity.
Importance of the oceans for life on the planet
The importance of the oceans lies in the fact that they are the main source of life for everything that exists and moves on the planet.
However, over the years, man, in his constant eagerness to advance towards the search for new developments, has caused great damage to the seas and oceans.
Every year thousands of species of plants and animals become extinct due to the large amount of waste and pollutants that are deposited in the sea and, although some governments have taken measures to remedy the problem, it has not been enough to prevent the extinction of large marine ecosystems that die from these causes.
Humans obtain oxygen from the oceans and in its natural cycle there is a process of filtration and purification of the air.
Another of its great benefits has to do with the supply of food for people, in addition to helping the environmental balance in all countries, and being a medium from which energy resources such as gas or oil, precious metals, as well as for economic and commercial exchange around the planet are extracted.
How has climate change impacted the oceans?
It is important to remember that the oceans play a role in contributing to climate balance. However, at present, the burning of fossil fuels has had a negative impact on the entire Earth, causing an uncontrolled increase in temperatures and great climate imbalance on all continents.
These abrupt and continuous changes represent a serious threat to all humanity, since, according to studies conducted by scientists, in recent years, it has been possible to observe an increase in sea level due to greenhouse gases.
Likewise, there has been a melting of glaciers at the earth’s poles and a significant decrease in the salinity of the oceans, which would eventually cause major storms, floods and many other disasters with devastating consequences for the entire planet.
Awaken new depths
The oceans cover more than 70% of the planet. They represent our source of life. They sustain humankind and all other organisms on earth.
The oceans produce at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen and are the main source of protein for more than a billion people worldwide. They are also key to our economy, as it is estimated that by 2030, there will be around 40 million workers in the ocean-related sector.
With 90% of large marine fish species depleted and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. We must work together to create a new balance in which we do not deplete all that the ocean has to offer, but restore its vitality and give it new life.
“Awaken New Depths” is the theme of World Oceans Day 2024, a year within the UN Decade of Ocean Sciences. Our relationship with the oceans urgently needs to change, because so far, our efforts have not been enough. To motivate widespread momentum in favor of the oceans, we need to awaken new depths.
