Every 8th June since 2009, World Ocean Day is celebrated as a global awareness event. The day features an opportunity to stress the role of oceans in our daily lives and furthermore to make a move to protect our oceans and the sustainable use of marine resources.
History - The United Nations General Assembly on 5th December 2008 decided to celebrate World Ocean Day on 8th June every year under the resolution 63/111. This idea was to raise awareness of the role that UN and International Law must play in the sustainable development and use of the oceans.
The theme for the year 2024 - This year’s theme for World Ocean Day is “Awaken New Depths”. The concept is to introduce new methods, ideas, or products that essentially brim with hope. This year’s theme sheds light on innovation taking place from around the world in the areas of technology. It is specifically critical during the UN decade of ocean science for sustainable development running from 2021–2030.
The importance of Oceans - Here are some of the major reasons oceans are important to sustain life on earth
Oceans contribute to 70% of the oxygen on earth, 1.5 times more contribution than the rainforests.
Oceans regulate the climate by soaking up the heat and transporting warm water from the equator to the poles and vice versa. This avoids extreme weather conditions and increases the habitable areas.
Most people rely on oceans for their proteins through fish and other seafood. With the world population increasing heavily, alternative food sources through oceans have become the need of the hour for survival.
Recent statistics indicate that more than 60 million people around the world are affiliated with fisheries and aquaculture. The ocean represents 9 sub-sectors including transport and coastal and maritime tourism, generating jobs like fishers, lifeguards, surf instructors, etc.
Our responsibilities - The hope and prosperity for a better future for the oceans should be celebrated as they constitute a major source of food, health-giving and are a key part of the biosphere. It is imperative that we understand our duties towards preventing our oceans and submarines from being affected by global warming and making everyone aware of it.
