World Ocean Day

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It’s World Ocean Day.

8th June 1992, the concept of a “World Ocean Day” was proposed at the Earth Summit in Rio.
Today, 30 years later, the engagement among ocean lovers, conservationists, campaigners and the community is widespread.

When looking at our planet from space, it is evident that we live on a blue planet. About 70% of the earth’s surface is covered by saltwater oceans. Our planet has one global ocean but is partially separated by landmasses and has created 5 distinct ocean regions we call our big seas.

The oceans have enormous power and drive global systems that make the Earth habitable for us humans. For instance, our oceans have a considerable impact on the climate and weather.  Firstly, it creates rainwater and regulates temperatures, and has the ability to absorb carbon dioxide. And did you know? Even the oxygen in the air we breathe is ultimately provided and regulated by our ocean.

The world’s ocean supports the global population’s economic, social and environmental needs.
Did you know that over 3 billion people around the world depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihood? 

The impacts of overfishing, coastal development, man-made pollution, and climate change are being felt by coastal communities around the world. And we need to act on an individual, communal and government level for positive change.

 

Therefore, the focus of this year’s World Ocean Day is to safeguarding our ocean, its biodiversity and building climate change resilience.

And hey, disclaimer! Above all, this is not to make you feel bad about the current state of our ocean. I want you to read this on a positive note so that you and I can have an impact.

Moreover, remember that the ocean and its ecosystem and inhabitants are resilient.
In the past years, we have witnessed coral reefs recover after bleaching events. We have seen humpback whale populations bounce back in numbers after almost being extinct. And we have witnessed polluted canals and rivers recover to clear water.

So how can we get involved and work together for a positive change for our ocean?

Firstly, here are five simple actions you can take in your daily life:

  • Say no to disposable products! Invest in a reusable water bottle and a coffee cup for your takeouts.
  • Pick up a piece of trash when you’re outside.  A simple gesture that makes a difference. And hey, never be a tosser!
  • Recycle your waste. That little extra effort you make at home will have a big impact down the track.
  • Love your local second-hand shop. Shop second hand, and why not donate what you don’t use anymore? Clothes, furniture and appliances. There will always be someone else that will need and love your used goods.
  • Plan your meals. I have learned that by planning my meals. I eat healthier, I waste less food, and I make more conscious choices about food products and quality.  Win, win, win!

Secondly, connect with the ocean. Why not learn how to SCUBA, or go for a snorkel? I strongly believe, that once you dive down beneath the surface you realise what an amazing world the ocean offers.

We encourage you to celebrate world ocean day, and maybe share one time when you felt connected with the big blue.

Read more about World Ocean Day here: https://worldoceanday.org/