Our ocean is in critical condition.
Warming, pollution, acidification, and oxygen loss threaten it's health and the survival of countless species that depend on it—including us.
Here’s why protecting the ocean is essential!
1. The Ocean Regulates Climate and Provides Oxygen
The ocean absorbs 25% of global carbon emissions and generates 50% of the oxygen we breathe, functioning as the planet’s lungs and largest carbon sink. It also absorbs over 90% of excess heat from climate change, regulating temperatures on land. A healthy ocean is crucial for tackling climate change, and addressing climate change is vital for preserving the ocean’s health.
2. The Ocean Feeds Millions
The ocean provides 15% of the animal protein consumed worldwide, with seafood serving as a primary protein source for over 50% of the population in many developing countries. However, destructive fishing practices waste over 10 million tons of fish annually—enough to fill 4,500 Olympic-sized pools. If unsustainable practices continue, UNESCO warns that more than 50% of marine species could face extinction by 2100.
3. The Ocean Supports Jobs and Livelihoods
The ocean is a lifeline for 3 billion people, providing jobs and income. Marine fisheries alone employ 57 million people globally. However, over 60% of major marine ecosystems are being unsustainably exploited, while pollution—like the 11 million tons of plastic entering the ocean annually—costs an estimated $13 billion in clean-up expenses and economic losses. Protecting the ocean is critical to preserving these livelihoods.
4. The Ocean Drives Economic Development
The ocean contributes an estimated $3 trillion annually to the global economy—around 5% of the global GDP. Coastal tourism generates $134 billion each year, with 80% of global tourism focused in coastal areas. However, rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and coastal degradation threaten these industries and the 680 million people living in low-lying coastal areas—a number projected to reach 1 billion by 2050. Protecting ocean resources is essential for sustaining economic growth and coastal communities.
5. A Healthy Ocean is Key to Our Survival
From regulating the climate to providing food, jobs, and economic opportunities, the ocean is integral to life on Earth. Whether you live by the coast or far inland, the ocean impacts us all. Protecting it is not just an environmental necessity—it’s essential for the survival and well-being of future generations.
To ensure a sustainable future, we must work collectively to restore and protect the ocean. Ocean is our health, and our survival depends on it!
