From biologists and scientists to divers and sailors, the ocean’s majestic beauty comprising its ecosystem, fascinate and delight all. One Ocean, One Climate, One Future echo millions of people all over the world. Oceans, which cover 70 per cent of the earth’s surface, is claimed to be the source of life’s beginning and the impact it has on our Earth influences our existence on this planet.
Being an important source, the ocean supplies atleast half of the world’s oxygen and is home to numerous living beings on the planet. It also provides food, and jobs, and helps us keep alive. Thus, oceans play a vital role in boosting the economy of the various nation. Despite all of its advantages, the ocean today requires our help. Human actions such as overfishing, oil spills, plastic pollution etc. have had a negative impact on the water body and the marine species it supports.
To raise awareness of the negative consequences of this, World Oceans Day, which falls on June 8 of every year, encourages people to increase their efforts to protect the marine ecosystem from further harm while also taking steps to restore its biodiversity.
Oceans Day began as a United Nations initiative in 1992, following the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, often known as the Earth Summit, which resulted in important climate change goals.
Following this, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 5, 2008, passed a resolution designating June 8 as World Oceans Day. Ever since the world has been taking up the measure in keep our oceans clean and protect the marine ecosystem.
The theme for World Oceans Day 2022 is ‘Revitalisation: Collective Action for the Ocean.’
With over 15,000 tweets, #WorldOceanDay is trending on Twitter in second place. Many shared their views on the subject.
The official Twitter account of the United Nations tweeted, “The ocean is the greatest ally in our efforts to address the climate crisis, generating 50% of the oxygen we need & absorbing 25% of all carbon dioxide emissions. Wednesday’s #WorldOceansDay is a reminder of the urgency to #SaveOurOcean.”
Renowned sand artist Sudarshan Pattanaik shared an image of his art done at Puri beach that urges people on the need to protect our oceans.
On #WorldOceanDay: My SandArt with message #SaveOurOcean at Puri beach in India. @WorldOceansDay @UN @UNEP @GlobalGoalsUN @antonioguterres @WBG_Climate @AminaJMohammed pic.twitter.com/8JRf0DHLiD
— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) June 8, 2022
“It’s #WorldOceanDay! Did you know that marine litter and pollution are some of the biggest issues our oceans are facing today? So before adding to cart, let’s be extra mindful of how we throw away any packaging,” wrote a Twitter user.
Some users also shared their photographs and videos of beach cleaning, raising awareness about measures to be taken to save oceans.
Many even shared the distressing images of what we have done to the marine ecology. Few posted videos of fish being washed off on shore. One such tweet was,” It’s #WorldOceanDay. And whilst we navel gaze we do nothing to protect it at all. Dead fish washed up after a Chinese fishing fleet used Extreme electro fishing (pulse) to decimate fish & marine life. Leaving local villages in Iran to starve.”
It’s #WorldOceanDay And whilst we navel gaze we do nothing to protect it at all.
Dead fish washed up after a Chinese fishing fleet used Extreme electro fishing (pulse) to decimate fish & marine life.
Leaving local villages in Iran to starve.
— Bernie’s Tweets (@BernieSpofforth) June 7, 2022
Another user stated we should do our best to protect the ocean, prevent plastic pollution and take care of our coral reefs as well as all living creatures in the ocean.
“Oceans Are Essential! Marine life has an impact on the environment; in order to keep it safe and healthy, we must limit our use of plastic. Alternatives exist that can be utilized,” was a tweet from one user.
Consider the consequences of your actions the next time you go to the beach, use single-use plastics, or pollute the oceans. We only have one planet and let us pledge today that every day should be World Oceans Day and that we will conserve nature’s wonders for a better and more sustainable future.
Image by Bell Co and Francesco Ungaro
