World Oceans Day: #ProtectOurHome

June 8th is World Oceans Day, and the goal of this movement is to protect our oceans. It calls for world leaders to protect 30% of the planet’s oceans by 2030. As a result, it has been dubbed the 30×30 plan.

If you want to help this movement grow, use the #ProtectOurHome.

As a result of the COVID-19 lockdown, the World Oceans Day will be celebrated in a virtual event that everyone can view for free on June 8th between 10 am and 5 pm EST.

According to the UN: “The event will shed light on innovations from around the globe in areas of need that are both promising and proven, ones that instill optimism, and ones that have demonstrated the ability to scale effectively. ”

Why Are the Ocean’s So Important to Humanity?

The world’s oceans do not get the respect they deserve when it comes to their importance for humanity.

While the world has often thought of the Amazon Rainforest as the lungs of the planet, in reality, the oceans are the lungs. Marine plants produce 70% of the oxygen we breathe, which makes them by far the most important ecosystem to protect.

While also producing the majority of our oxygen, the oceans are also the largest carbon sink in the world. In 2017, it was reported that 2.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide was absorbed by oceans.

The unique life in the oceans is worth protecting. Did you know that organisms discovered in extreme depths are being used to speed up COVID-19 detection? As a result, it is very accurate to say that the health of the ocean reflects that of humanity.

And one cannot talk about the importance of the ocean without mentioning that 4.3 billion people rely on fish for 15% of their animal protein intake. Not only does fishing provide food, but it is also a major source of trade and jobs around the world.

And when the ocean is healthy, the catch is that much better.

The Importance of World Oceans Day

This year’s celebration is more important than ever because it will be leading to the UN’s Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. From 2021 to 2030 research will be conducted to better understand our oceans and strengthen international cooperation.

“The Science we need for the ocean we want.”

Understanding the way our oceans work can have a very positive effect on sustainability going forward. And there is so much we do not yet know about our oceans.

Help Spread the Word

If you are looking for a way to help, here’s what you can do from home.

1. Sign the petition to call world leaders into action.
2. Spread the word about World Oceans Day by using #ProtectOurHome.
3. Attend the virtual event on June 8th.

You can also make a big difference by making sure you dispose of plastic properly. Every 60 seconds, a truckload of plastic enters our oceans. The problem can potentially become worse as personal protective equipment (PPE) like plastic gloves and facemasks are being discarded incorrectly.

Remember, these are not recyclable and can contaminate other plastics.