World Oceans Day 2021 – Protect 30×30
The Ocean Needs Us – And We Need It!
Every year on the 8th June, people around the world recognise World Oceans Day as a united conservation effort. This day brings people together to celebrate everything we love about the amazing big blue oceans that are so vital for us all.
People have not always been kind to the oceans, but now is our time to help. We are becoming increasingly aware of the impact climate change is having on our blue planet. With shifting mindsets on plastic pollution, climate change, and the way we live our lives, there is hope for a brighter future for all.
We can make a difference, but it requires a collective effort. This year the campaign ‘Protect 30 x 30’ calls on world leaders to protect 30% of our land and oceans by 2030. With only 7% of our seas currently protected, scientists say we need half of the planet in its natural state. This will prevent the extinction of one million species, keep climate warming below 1.5°C, and safeguard all the people relying on nature to survive and thrive. Protecting 30% by 2030 would be just the start. A healthy ocean is a critical part of the solution to the climate crisis. Our planets life support systems are interconnected, the ocean, climate, biodiversity and are own survival are one.
This will be achieved through highly protected, maintained, and safeguarded areas. We also need to step up our actions to halt the devastating impact climate change is having on our ocean communities. It needs us all to play our part.
Sign the 30×30 for Nature Petition >HERE<
Love our oceans
We have previously written about ways to reduce household waste and single use plastics. Last week we shared a vision for a brighter future and ecosystem restoration during World Environment Day 2021. Today, on World Ocean Day, we want to have fun, share our love for the oceans with you, and celebrate what makes them so precious.
Here at Babipur we are passionate about our the environment, our oceans, our planet, and believe that together we can unite to make the world a better place for all living things. Find out more about World Ocean Day at Babipur >Here< #Protect30x30
Five reasons to celebrate the oceans
Oxygen
We often think of our oxygen coming from the trees. In fact it is actually the oceans that produce over half of the world’s oxygen that we need to survive! Rainforests are responsible for 28% of our oxygen, whilst the ocean actually provides a whopping 70%! Every breath we take is dependent on the oceans.
So how do the oceans produce oxygen without the trees? Well, that is all due to the magic of Phytoplankton. This microscopic plant is a component of plankton. It spends its life travelling with the oceans on their current. Oxygen is a by-product of photosynthesis, produced in a similar way to the leaves on a tree. In the same process, the oceans are removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Regulates climate
The oceans help our planet to regulate our climate, like our very own thermostat. The sea absorbs heat and transports the warm water from the equator to the poles accordingly. In the same process, it takes water from the poles to the warmer tropics. This natural phenomenon make more of the planet habitable, as without these currents the weather would be too extreme.
Holding almost all of the water on our planet, the oceans regulate rain and drought. The rain on land that we see, almost all comes from the oceans. This is our planet’s climate control.
Food
Protein from the oceans make up the diet of more than a billion people around the globe. But it’s not just fish. Many plants are sourced from the oceans to make up tasty food dishes, such as seaweed. We also use ingredients you wouldn’t necessarily think of, for popular food such as peanut butter!
Recreation and fun!
For so many of us, the ocean is our happy place. It brings us solace and sanctuary that no other place can compare. We long to be near the ocean. To swim, surf, sail or just to be near the sea. So many happy memories, holidays and days out are created on our beaches or in the water.
“The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul” Robert Wyland.
Healing properties
Did you know that we share some of the same water reflexes as dolphins? When our face and body touches the water, our heart rate slows, blood travels to our vital organs; for example, to the heart and brain from our extremities to regulate their function. It’s what makes us feel awakened and alive in the water. It is known as the ‘mammalian diving reflex’; so, get out there for a swim and release your inner dolphin!
The call of the sea is therapeutic. Just to see, smell, and hear the ocean gives a sense of calm and happiness. Evidence shows that water reduces psychological stress and improves wellbeing. Wild swimming has taken off in the last year with many people recognising it’s benefits to their mental wellbeing and physical resilience.
Five fun facts about the oceans
- The earth’s longest chain of mountains is underwater! The Mid-Oceanic Ridge which is almost entirely below the water, stretches a massive distance of 56,000 kilometres.
- The Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench is the deepest know part of the Earth oceans at a depth 11,000 meters. It is six times deeper than the Grand Canyon
- The world’s largest waterfall is actually in the ocean! Lying beneath the Denmark Strait, completely hidden from view, this powerful waterfall lies between Iceland and Greenland. Water plunges from 2,000ft below the surface to an amazing 10,000 feet, almost a two mile drop!
- Sharks have made their own underwater hangout for winter, fondly named by scientists as the White Shark Café! In winter, white sharks migrate to a special remote spot of the Pacific Ocean, between California and Hawaii, to hang with their buddies.
- It is thought there are three million shipwrecks under the sea, from the Titanic to Christopher Columbus’ Santa Maria, with more historic artefacts in the oceans than in our museums.
What can I do this World Oceans Day?
Well, of course, caring for our ocean environment doesn’t just happen once a year! There are lots of simple steps you can take to help protect our seas:
- Reduce single use plastic, remember your reusables!
- Research the impact of fish in your diet, choose sustainably sourced fish and responsible fishing methods
- Choose organic food to reduce chemical run-off into our seas
- Use marine safe products – from cleaning products to sunscreen, make sure they are safe for aquatic life
- Pick up litter at the beach, either in an organised beach clean, or simply take a few pieces home with you at the end of your seaside trip
Together we can #Protect30x30
So there you have it! The very air we breathe, our health, and our wellbeing depend on it. Not to mention our livelihoods, transportation, medicine, and economy all need it to survive.
Let us come together for the blue planet that needs us now more than ever.
Share with us!
If you fancy a bit of creative fun, we have a World Oceans Day themed colouring sheet for you and you little ones to enjoy! Do tag us on Social Media with your creations!
We love to hear how you are connecting with the oceans; share your pictures and thoughts with our community! Tag @Babipur on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, or share your pictures with the Babipur community in our Facebook group, Babipur Hangout!
Additional resources for World Oceans Day:
World Oceans Day: https://worldoceansday.org
Marine Conservation Society: https://www.mcsuk.org
Marine Conservation Institute: https://marine-conservation.org
National Geographic Oceans: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/oceans/
Look how deep the ocean goes! https://neal.fun/deep-sea/
TedED 7 Wonders of the Ocean: https://www.ted.com/playlists/7/ocean_wonders
TedED How big is the ocean: https://www.ted.com/talks/scott_gass_how_big_is_the_ocean
