
Exploring the Theme of World Ocean Day 2024: Importance, Impact, and Action
Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nation has made a powerful call for action. He urged governments, businesses, investors, scientists, and communities to come together and assist in protecting our oceans. He points out that in order to live a healthy life, the oceans play an important role. But at this time our oceans are in serious trouble.
Guterres also said that change in climate is not good for small island nations and coastal areas.
It also causes sea levels to rise. The record-high sea temperatures are leading to extreme weather events that impact everyone. On 8th June, the world ocean day Secretary General of the UN reminds us that urgent action is necessary to cope with these issues. This year “Awaken New Depths” is the theme of World Ocean day. The aim of this day is to educate all nations about the situations and challenges that our ocean faces.
Ocean acidification is harming coral reefs. It threatens not only tourism but also local economies. It also disrupts food chains. Unsustainable coastal development, overfishing, deep-sea mining, pollution, and plastic waste are the sources that damage ecosystems globally. Despite all of these complications, there are many signs of hope.
Last year, the UN General Assembly adopted a historic agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This new treaty focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of marine life in areas beyond national jurisdiction, marking a significant step in ocean governance.
He explained that the continued efforts to create a legally binding treaty to stop plastic pollution are a golden opportunity for us to work together to save our oceans. Recently, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea made a significant statement. They urged countries to take strict action against those that are the major source of greenhouse gas emission such as marine pollution.
According to the UN chief there are many crucial moments that will help us to restore and protect our precious marine and coastal ecosystems. It includes the Summit of the Future later this year and the UN Oceans Conference in France next year.
He further argued, “ ‘’On World Oceans Day, let’s heed this year’s theme, and awaken new depths of action for our ocean.”
Oceans play an important role in the development of our planet. It makes 70% of it. The production of oxygen that is necessary for breathing depends on oceans. It also provides protein for over a billion people worldwide. Our economy also depends on it. This is because 40 million people are set to work in ocean-based industries by 2030.
Recently, UNESCO released a report on the ocean, urging policymakers to consider “the ocean we need for the future we want.”
A recent report highlighted threats to the ocean and trends that show what might be causing these changes. The warming rate of oceans is also increasing as compared to 20 years ago. This day by day increasing warming has severe consequences for marine life and also our ecosystem. Due to less production of oxygen many coastal species are struggling to save life. The increasing pollution level and climate change are the major factors that decrease the production of oxygen. It is important to understand the changes in order to overcome the root causes. Also it is important to identify the drivers of change in our oceans and take steps to protect marine biodiversity and the health of our planet.
Getting knowledge about the ocean is known as ocean literacy. It is important for effective resource management, behavior change, and conservation efforts. Deep information about the ocean’s ecosystem and resources make all people eligible to use them efficiently and sustainability. This means it is necessary for all of us to take steps to reduce pollution and protect our planet.
Furthermore, ocean literacy can also be related to behavioral changes. This is because it raises awareness about the impact of people’s actions on the ecosystem. For example getting knowledge about the plastic pollution and its harmful impacts compel people to rescue their plastic usage.