World Oceans Day is celebrated every year on June 8 and the main objective of the day is to focus on and create awareness about ocean conservation. World Oceans Day serves as a reminder to everyone about the major role the oceans have in our everyday life. The world’s oceans, their temperature, currents and marine life, drive global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. Our rainwater, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, much of our food, and even the oxygen in the air we breathe, are all ultimately provided and regulated by the ocean. Throughout history, oceans and seas have also been vital for trade and transportation. Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future.
Get Know more about Mammal, Buy This Mammals Flashcards.
History Of World Oceans Day
The concept of a ‘World Oceans Day’ was first proposed in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to raise awareness about the crucial role the ocean plays in our lives and the important ways people can help protect it. In 2008, led by Canada, the United Nations General Assembly resolved that June 8 would be designated by the United Nations as “World Oceans Day”. The theme of the inaugural World Oceans Day in 2009 was ‘Our Oceans, Our Responsibility’. The theme for World Oceans Day 2024 is ‘Awaken New Depths.
What was the Earth Summit?
In 1992, more than 100 heads of state met in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the first international Earth Summit convened to address urgent problems of environmental protection and socio-economic development.
Oceans And The Threats They Face
Our modern habits and the use of many kinds of technologies have a devastating impact on the oceans and on the marine ecosystems and life in general.
- Overfishing
- Climate Change
- Plastic Pollution
Did You Know?
World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5 to encourage global action to protect the environment. It is led by the United Nations Environment Programme and has been held annually since 1973. It is celebrated by millions of people across the world. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host World Environment Day 2024 with a focus on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.
How Can We Save The Oceans?
The time has come to take action and safeguard the ocean. We can all do our bit by taking small steps. We can:
- Conserve Water
- Shop Responsibly
- Reduce Pollutants
- Use Less Energy
- Fish Responsibly
- Reduce Waste
- Reduce Vehicle Pollution
Some Important Facts About Oceans:
- Did you know that the Earth has one global ocean? Oceanographers and nations have divided it into five different geographical regions – the Pacific, the Atlantic, India, Arctic, and Southern.
- The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen.
- Oceans absorb about 30% of carbon dioxide produced by humans, reducing the impacts of global warming.
- Oceans play an important role in influencing and regulating the climate on the Earth.
- Oceans are a major source of food and medicine.
- The ocean covers 71% of the Earth’s surface. It also holds about 96.5% of all Earth’s water.
- Ocean is home to 94% of life on Earth. However, the exact number of species that live in the ocean is unknown.
- The sea is home to the world’s largest living structure – the Great Barrier Reef. It is 2,600km long and can be seen from the Moon.
- The ocean is very important for our economy. It is estimated that 40 million people will be employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.
Watch Full Video On, Bee-lieve it or not! Interesting facts about Honey Bees