Ocean Pollution: A Global Crisis We Must Address

The ocean is the largest ecosystem on Earth, covering more than 70% of the planet's surface and containing over 97% of its water. It is home to 94% of the planet's wildlife and is a vital source of oxygen, food, jobs, and livelihoods for humans. However, ocean pollution, caused primarily by human activities, poses a serious threat to the health and well-being of our planet. It is important to reduce ocean pollution to mitigate its negative impact on marine life and human health, and to ensure the ocean's ability to continue providing essential resources and services.

To protect marine life and ecosystems

The ocean is the largest ecosystem on Earth, covering more than 70% of the planet's surface and containing over 94% of the world's wildlife. It is essential for all life on Earth, including humans, and we must protect its waters and ecosystems from all types of pollution.

Marine animals frequently fall victim to ocean pollution. Oil spills, for example, can suffocate marine life by clogging their gills, and birds may be unable to fly or feed their young if their feathers are coated in oil. Plastic waste is another significant threat to marine life. Animals such as dolphins, fish, sharks, turtles, seabirds, and crabs are particularly vulnerable to harm from plastic debris in the ocean. They may mistake it for food or become entangled in discarded plastic bags and fishing nets. Additionally, floating debris can transport invasive species, further threatening marine ecosystems.

The ocean's health is also closely tied to climate regulation. By absorbing heat and moving warm currents towards the Poles, the ocean maintains a critical balance in our planet's weather patterns. However, ocean pollution, particularly plastic waste, contributes to climate change. Plastic debris breaks down into microplastics, which have been found to be carcinogenic and can cause endocrine system disorders and diseases in humans. These microplastics have entered the food chain, posing risks to both human and marine life.

To preserve the ocean's role as Earth's life support system

The ocean is the largest ecosystem on Earth, covering more than 70% of the planet's surface and containing over 97% of its water. It is also home to 94% of all life on Earth. As such, it plays a crucial role in supporting life on our planet.

Firstly, the ocean regulates our climate and provides the air we breathe. It absorbs heat from the climate system, helping to regulate temperatures on land, and generates 50-80% of the oxygen we need to survive through tiny marine plants called phytoplankton. The ocean also absorbs carbon emissions and acts as a carbon sink, taking up 25% of all carbon emissions.

Secondly, the ocean is a source of food for humans. It provides our global community with 15% of the animal protein we eat and is the primary source of protein for over 50% of the population in the least developed countries.

Thirdly, the ocean provides jobs and livelihoods for billions of people. Marine fisheries alone provide 57 million jobs globally, and the blue economy allows many to support their families.

Finally, the ocean is essential for transportation, tourism, and global economic stability.

However, the ocean is currently facing serious threats from heating, pollution, acidification, and oxygen loss. To preserve its role as Earth's life support system, it is crucial to address these issues and take action to reduce ocean pollution. This includes reducing plastic waste, improving wastewater systems, using eco-friendly products, reducing chemical pollution, and supporting legislation that prioritises ocean health. By working together, we can ensure a sustainable future for our planet and all the life it supports.

To mitigate climate change and its impacts

The ocean is critical in mitigating climate change and its impacts. Firstly, the ocean is the world's largest carbon sink, absorbing 25% of all carbon emissions. This helps to reduce the negative impacts of climate change. By absorbing carbon, the ocean also functions as the "lungs of the planet", generating 50% of the oxygen we need to survive.

Secondly, the ocean has taken up over 90% of the excess heat in the climate system, helping to regulate temperatures on land. This regulation of heat is achieved through ocean currents, which move heat around the planet. Warmer currents move towards the Poles, where they cool and circle back, affecting weather patterns.

Thirdly, the ocean is a key regulator of the Earth's climate and provides the air we breathe. It maintains a critical balance by absorbing carbon and generating oxygen. This balance is essential for mitigating climate change and its impacts, such as rising temperatures and sea levels.

Finally, the ocean is essential for the health of marine ecosystems, which are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. For example, coral reefs are sensitive to changes in water temperature and acidity, and they are already being damaged by ocean warming and acidification. By reducing ocean pollution, we can help mitigate climate change and protect vulnerable marine ecosystems.

To safeguard human health and food sources

The ocean is the primary source of protein for over 50% of the global population, providing 15% of the animal protein we eat. Therefore, it is critical to protect the ocean's biodiversity and practice sustainable fishing strategies for continued consumption.

However, ocean pollution poses a significant threat to this food source. Plastic waste, for instance, is often mistaken for food by marine animals, leading to suffocation, internal injuries, and infections. It is estimated that more than half of the world's sea turtles and nearly every seabird has ingested plastic at some point in their lifetimes.

Moreover, ocean pollution can have direct negative impacts on human health. Microplastics, which have now entered the food chain, have been linked to carcinogenic effects and endocrine system disorders. Toxic contaminants often accumulate on the surface of plastics and are then transferred to humans through the consumption of seafood. For example, toxins like methylmercury are absorbed by phytoplankton, which are then consumed by larger organisms, eventually reaching humans through seafood consumption, leading to potential long-term health issues, cancer, and birth defects.

Additionally, unsustainable fishing practices contribute to ocean pollution and deplete marine ecosystems. Destructive fishing practices result in more than 10 million tons of fish being wasted annually, and without significant changes, UNESCO predicts that over 50% of marine species may face extinction by 2100.

To support economic development and jobs

The ocean is a significant economic tool, with the market value of marine and coastal resources and the developing industry estimated to be US$3 trillion per year, which is about 5% of the total global gross domestic product.

Developing countries' access to the ocean and shorelines allow them to develop and attract foreign direct investments and direct industry production within the state. Additionally, 80% of tourism happens in coastal areas, and the ocean-related tourism industry grows by an estimated US$134 billion every year.

The ocean also provides livelihoods to 3 billion people, nearly 50% of the entire global population. Marine fisheries provide 57 million jobs globally.

However, over 60% of the world's major marine ecosystems that underpin these livelihoods are being used unsustainably, with a significant portion being completely degraded.

According to the UNEP, pollution from the 11 million tons of plastic that enters the ocean annually costs an estimated US$13 billion, including clean-up costs and financial losses from fisheries and additional ocean-based industries.

Actions to reduce ocean pollution

• Conserve water to prevent excess runoff and wastewater from flowing into the ocean.
• Choose non-toxic chemicals and dispose of herbicides, pesticides, and cleaning products properly.
• Reduce waste.
• Choose sustainable seafood and buy less plastic.
• Use fuel-efficient vehicles, carpool, or ride a bike.
• Choose energy-efficient light bulbs and don't set your thermostat too high.
• Follow "catch and release" fishing practices and keep more fish alive.
• Practice safe boating by anchoring in sandy areas far from coral and sea grasses and adhering to "no wake" zones.
• Respect habitats by treating them with care.
• Volunteer for clean-ups at the beach and in your community.

Frequently asked questions