World Oceans Day is celebrated on June 8 each year across the globe. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness among people about the “impact of human actions on the ocean” and to mobilise citizens for their sustainable management.
The day is a reminder of the destruction caused by human activities like garbage and sewage disposal and oil leaks. The concept of World Oceans Day was first proposed by the UN in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The theme for this year’s celebration is: “Revitalisation: Collective Action for the Ocean.” Oceans cover 71 percent of the Earth’s surface while they hold 97 percent of the water found on our planet. They play a crucial role in the food supply of both humans and other organisms, are home to an array of flora, fauna and biodiversity. Most importantly, oceans significantly impact temperature and weather.
In a bid to conserve the water body through collective efforts and save it from the perils of human activities, the day is meant to inspire action towards conserving the water bodies.
Here are some beautiful clicks from ocean lines:
Did you know that an estimated 8 million tons of plastic enters our oceans every year? There are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic waste estimated to be in our oceans. 269,000 tons float, 4 billion microfibers per km² dwell below the surface. 70% of our debris sinks into the ocean’s ecosystem, 15% floats, and 15% lands on our beaches.
However, most ocean pollution begins on land. When large tracts of land are worked upon, the exposed soil can erode during rainstorms. Much of this runoff flows to the sea, carrying with it agricultural fertilizers and pesticides. Eighty percent of pollution to the marine environment comes from the land.
Did you also know that there are 269,000 tons of plastic floating on the ocean’s surface? A recent study has found that people eat five grams of micro and nanoplastics every week. From the most remote depths of the ocean, to the deepest section of the lung, microplastics appear to have invaded every bit of our lives, including the human gastrointestinal tract.
Also Read: Beach Cleaning Drive To Be Conducted At Madhavpur Beach By NCC Directorate Gujarat, Daman And Diu
