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| How oceans are useful to human beings Source: Getty images |
Oceans play a crucial role in human life by acting as global climate regulators, carbon sinks, and food sources. They distribute heat globally, regulating temperature and absorbing the sun's heat during the day. Water's high specific heat allows it to absorb heat without significantly changing temperature. As the Sun disappears at night, oceans release this heat, regulating land temperature. This is why deserts have extreme high and low temperatures during the day. Evaporation from the ocean also provides liquid for precipitation, controlling rain and weather patterns. Oceans also act as carbon sinks, absorbing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which can contribute to global warming. They also provide food to millions of people, making them major economic pillars, providing work, food, and financial stability.
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| how oceans are useful to human beings Source: Getty images |
How might the oceans benefit us?
Understanding the importance of the oceans is crucial for committing to their protection and ensuring their cleanliness and safety for the benefit of all. They are integral to the planet and human life, and their preservation is essential.
1. It facilitates breathing
Oceans produce over half of the world's oxygen and capture 40% of all CO2, 4x times more than the Amazon rainforest. Phytoplankton within the sea contribute up to 50% of this oxygen.
2.It lessens global warming and aids in climate regulation.
Oceans, covering 70% of the Earth's surface, absorb more sun heat than land, allowing them to absorb and contain heat that could overwhelm us. As sea water evaporates, it becomes denser and sinks into the ocean bed, regulating rain and droughts like our global climate control system.
3. It is Earth's largest ecosystem.
The oceans, covering 70% of the planet's surface and up to 11,000 meters deep, are home to an abundance of life valuable to the human food chain. The number of unknown creatures and plants we've yet to discover could reach millions.
Our oceans are being destroyed by pollution
The United Nations Environment Programme reports that every square mile of oceans contains 46,000 floating plastic pieces, with most of the pollution coming from land sources like agricultural run-off, pesticides, and untreated sewage. Floating plastics are dangerous due to their ability to break down into microscopic pieces, ingest marine life, and even enter the food chain. Microplastics are found on beaches worldwide, and plastic debris kills up to a million seabirds annually, highlighting the significant damage to oceans and their dependent life.
Protect our oceans
Small changes at home and work can significantly reduce ocean pollution. As our actions increase, so will our impact. Consider updating company policies or making these changes to demonstrate your commitment to ocean conservation.
Never again use single-use plastics
Plastics contain toxins that animals shouldn't ingest, making it crucial for modern businesses and households to reduce single-use plastics. Sustainable alternatives can be purchased, and workplace policies can ban single-use plastics and provide reusable alternatives to incentivize staff. This will help reduce waste and promote a healthier environment.
Reduce carbon
Oceans absorb significant sun heat but also excess heat from fossil fuel burning, leading to warmer waters, damaging marine life, and accelerating sea level rise. Climate change impacts the ocean, influencing global weather. To reduce this, consider energy-efficient lightbulbs, timers on electronics, adjusting thermostats, and using carsharing, cycling, or public transport for travel. Small changes can help minimize the ocean's impact.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has highlighted the resilience of our oceans, with Humpback whale numbers increasing since commercial whaling was banned. However, there is still much work to be done. Scientists believe that by 2050, marine life at risk can recover from damage by reducing fishing, cutting pollution, and restoring habitats. These actions should be prioritised, as the oceans play a vital role in our world and cannot exist without us. The importance of these actions cannot be overstated, as they are essential for our survival.
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| how oceans are useful to human beings Source: Getty images |