WHY SHOULD I CARE?
The ocean is the backbone of this planet.
LUNGS OF THE PLANET
The ocean is the lungs of the planet producing approximately 50-80% of the oxygen that we breathe (which is significantly more than the Amazon rainforest)! Just like trees, marine organisms like plankton produce this oxygen. Our oceans help us breathe!
OVER 90% OF THE HEAT IS ABSORBED
More than 90% of the heat in the atmosphere is absorbed by the ocean! Without the ocean, the planet would burn up and look a lot like Mars. The ocean also circulates the heat from the equator to the poles to regulate the climate.
HOME TO 1000'S OF SPECIES
The ocean is home to thousands of species that make up a huge part of Earth’s biomass. These marine animals regulate the ocean’s ecosystems, provide food sources for humans, shape the physical environment, and so much more. Humans are yet to discover even more marine species having only explored a fraction (about 5%) of the ocean!
THE OCEAN PROVIDES MANY RESOURCES WE CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT
Billions of people rely on the ocean for their livelihoods whether that be for food or jobs. The ocean provides many resources that we cannot live without. Food, minerals, natural gas, renewable energy, medicinal products, and more all come from the ocean. With the decline in the health and life of the ocean, the time is now to push for changes to keep the ocean thriving so that these communities can sustain themselves.
90% OF GLOBAL TRADE TRAVELS ACROSS THE OCEAN
Intercontinental trade would not be able to happen without a large body of water connecting all continents. Approximately 90% of global trade travels across the ocean! That means 90% of the products in your house have probably travelled across the ocean at some point in its lifetime.
