Issue 12/2024, News

World Oceans Day 2024: oceans as a key element in combating the climate crisis

Posted on 8 June 202412 June 2024 by Iwona Szyprowska-Głodzik

08
Jun

The oceans, covering more than 70 percent of the the surface of our planet, play a fundamental role in producing oxygen and supporting the global economy. For more than 3 billion people, fish and seafood are the main source of protein, and hundreds of millions of people find employment in the fishing industry.

With the escalating climate crisis, the importance of the oceans in maintaining ecological and atmospheric balance is becoming increasingly apparent. In response to these challenges, World Oceans Day 2024 will be held under the theme, “Catalyzing action for our ocean & climate.” The goal of this initiative is to initiate global action to improve ocean health and combat climate change.

World Oceans Day: meaning and history

World Oceans Day is an annual international holiday dedicated to protecting the oceans and raising awareness of their crucial role in sustaining life on Earth. The initiative was first proposed in 1992. at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro by the Canadian International Centre for Ocean Development and the Ocean Institute of Canada, who recognized the urgent need for global mobilization on this issue.

In 2008. The United Nations has officially recognized World Oceans Day, giving the event much greater significance and reach. Since then, World Oceans Day has supported the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a special focus on Goal 14, which focuses on protecting life underwater.

Priorities for 2024.

This year’s theme for World Oceans Day 2024 focuses on five key areas:

Sustainable ocean management: promoting policies and practices that ensure the long-term health of marine ecosystems;
Pollution reduction: combating plastic waste and other forms of pollution that threaten marine life;
Biodiversity conservation: strengthening efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats;
Climate change adaptation: supporting coastal communities to adapt to the effects of climate change, such as sea level rise;
Education and awareness: raising global awareness of the importance of the oceans to our survival and well-being.

Kolor oceanu się zmienia

Ocean health and the climate crisis

The health of our oceans is closely linked to the global climate. The oceans act as a major carbon sink, absorbing about 30 percent. anthropogenic_CO2 emissions. However, the increased absorption of carbon dioxide leads to ocean acidification, which negatively affects marine ecosystems such as coral reefs and fish populations. The oceans are home to as much as 80 percent of the of the world’s biodiversity, making their protection indispensable in the fight against the climate crisis.

Ocean acidification, the process of increasing the concentration of hydrogen ions in seawater, lowers the pH of the ocean. Lower pH negatively affects marine organisms, especially those that build their structures from calcium carbonate, such as corals, clams, sea slugs and plankton. Acidification hinders the formation and maintenance of their shells and skeletons, leading to the weakening of these species’ populations.

Coral reefs, being one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems, are particularly sensitive to changes in pH and increases in water temperature. These factors cause corals to fade and make them more susceptible to disease, threatening thousands of marine species and having serious consequences for people who rely on reef ecosystem services such as coastal protection and a source of income from tourism and fishing.

Changes in ocean chemistry are also affecting fish populations, which are a key source of protein for billions of people around the world. This affects the development of fish larvae and their ability to survive, which in turn has negative consequences for entire marine ecosystems and sustainable fisheries. Without healthy fish populations, many communities around the world, especially in developing countries, face food insecurity and loss of income sources.

Global mobilization for good change

World Oceans Day organizers are calling on governments, NGOs, businesses and citizens to take decisive action. Numerous educational events, media campaigns and local projects are planned to increase public involvement in ocean conservation.

Each of us, no matter where we live, can contribute to the protection of the Baltic Sea and all marine ecosystems. Of great importance are even the smallest actions that will become everyone’s daily routine. What can we do? All you have to do is reduce the amount of plastic you use, replace chemicals with naturally derived formulations, properly segregate trash, and when shopping every day, choose fish and seafood with a reliable eco-label, such as the MSC sustainable fisheries certification. – MSC NGO.

Youth’s role in ocean conservation

Special attention was given to the role of youth as a catalyst for change. Young people are encouraged to take an active role in ocean initiatives, including participation in educational programs, volunteering and social campaigns. The organizers stress that it is the younger generation that will be most affected by today’s environmental decisions, so their involvement is essential to achieve lasting results.

The little ones have not been forgotten either, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has prepared special educational materials for children, available online, to introduce the secrets of the underwater world. The initiative is aimed at getting children interested in ocean issues, as well as encouraging them to take action for the environment. As part of these activities, MSC Poland will organize contests with prizes on its social media profiles.

In addition, the MSC is inviting the public to participate in educational events that will be held in 15 zoos and educational institutions across the country. To celebrate World Oceans Day, visitors will be able to see inspiring educational exhibits and participate in special activities organized by MSC and cooperating institutions.

We encourage you to visit: