Shabana Safdar Khan
World Oceans Day, observed on June 8th, is a globally significant event that serves as a rallying point for people worldwide to deepen their understanding of the immense significance of the world’s oceans. This annual celebration is designed to raise awareness about the pivotal role that oceans play in supporting life on Earth and to inspire concrete actions for their safeguarding.
World Oceans Day is marked by a diverse array of activities and events that are orchestrated across the globe. These events are intended to enlighten individuals about the paramount importance of oceans, underscore the impact of human actions on ocean health, and advocate for the adoption of sustainable measures. From community beach clean-ups to educational workshops, thought-provoking film screenings, captivating art exhibits, and inspiring community gatherings focused on ocean conservation, the day’s events are varied and engaging.
In essence, World Oceans Day is geared toward igniting a global movement that empowers people to appreciate, protect, and preserve the oceans for future generations. It is an occasion that accentuates the oceans’ role in providing life-sustaining oxygen, regulating the Earth’s climate, fostering rich biodiversity, and contributing significantly to the global economy. Through active participation in the events and activities of World Oceans Day, individuals and communities alike have the opportunity to make tangible contributions to the collective endeavour of ensuring the health and prosperity of our oceans for years to come.
World Oceans Day, observed annually, stands as a significant occasion to honor the essentiality of our planet’s oceans. The day serves as a global reminder of the imperative role these vast bodies of water play in maintaining life on Earth. With over 70% of the Earth’s surface covered by oceans, these ecosystems are responsible for a substantial portion of the planet’s oxygen production, contributing at least 50% of the oxygen we breathe. Additionally, the oceans are vital to the global economy, projected to provide employment for approximately 40 million individuals in ocean-based industries by 2030.
Moreover, the oceans serve as a crucial environmental buffer. They absorb about 30% of the carbon dioxide produced by human activities, mitigating the impacts of global warming and climate change. This regulatory function underscores the oceans’ critical contribution to sustaining the Earth’s ecological balance.
World Oceans Day represents an opportunity to delve into the multifaceted importance of the oceans, raising awareness about their contributions to sustaining life, supporting economic activities, and buffering the effects of anthropogenic activities on the environment. Through this global platform, individuals and communities worldwide can amplify their efforts to advocate for ocean conservation, promote sustainable ocean management, and work towards safeguarding these invaluable ecosystems for future generations.
The Earth’s vast ocean covers over 70% of the planet, and it plays a crucial role in sustaining life for both humanity and all other organisms on Earth. This remarkable body of water is responsible for producing at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen and is home to the majority of the Earth’s biodiversity. Additionally, it serves as the primary source of protein for more than a billion people worldwide. Furthermore, the ocean is a cornerstone of the global economy, providing employment for an estimated 40 million individuals in ocean-based industries by the year 2030. As global citizens, our actions directly impact the health and well-being of this vital resource.
Despite its invaluable contributions to life on Earth, the ocean is currently in need of urgent support. With 90% of large fish populations depleted and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, we are depleting the ocean’s resources at an unsustainable rate. It is not a matter of choice, but a necessity for us to collectively strive for a new equilibrium with the ocean, one that no longer depletes its resources but instead aims to revitalize its richness and vitality. The time for action is now.
The theme “Awaken New Depths” has been adopted for World Oceans Day 2024. The United Nations is not alone in this endeavor, but is collaborating with decision-makers, indigenous leaders, scientists, private sector executives, civil society, celebrities, and youth activists. This global effort aims to go beyond our current superficial efforts by igniting widespread momentum to address the urgent needs of the ocean. We are all in this together, and your participation is crucial.
World Oceans Day, a poignant reminder of the ocean’s indispensable role in our daily lives, acknowledges its status as the planet’s “lungs,” a vital source of food and medicine, and a pivotal component of the biosphere. The primary objective of this annual event is to raise awareness among the public about the impact of human activities on the ocean, cultivate a global movement of ocean conservation, and rally the world’s population toward a shared vision of sustainable ocean management. By participating in this event, you can contribute to a global effort that has the potential to make a significant difference in the health and well-being of our oceans.
In 2024, the United Nations will host a hybrid celebration of World Oceans Day on Friday, June 7th. This is not just another event, but a significant gathering that will shape the future of our oceans. The event will take place both in person at the UN Headquarters in New York and will be broadcast live. The focus of this year’s event will be on the theme “Awaken New Depths,” highlighting the critical need for collective action to ensure the ocean’s health and well-being. The event, hosted by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations in partnership with the non-profit organization Oceanic Global, will illuminate the ways in which we can collaborate to preserve the ocean’s vitality. Your presence and participation are vital to our shared mission.
