June 8 marks World Oceans Day. This year, World Oceans Day 2024 is celebrated under the theme "Awaken New Depths," which aims to explore a new depth of understanding, compassion, collaboration and commitment to the oceans.
World Oceans Day was first proposed in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and became officially recognized by the United Nations (UN) in 2008. Since then, World Oceans Day has been a day to raise awareness about the significance of oceans and to call for global action for marine preservation, and to promote sustainable management for marine resources.
A view of the island Ihuru in the North Male Atoll, Ihuru, Maldives, January 26, 2024. /CFP
To recognize the importance of oceans to our planet, let's look at some figures from the UN.
Oceans cover more than 70 percent of Earth's surface, and produce over 50 percent of the world's oxygen. Oceans can absorb nearly one-third of the carbon dioxide emissions generated by human activities, and capture 90 percent of the excess heat produced by these emissions. Oceans are at the center of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stabilizing the climate. They are called "the lungs of the planet," the largest "carbon sink" and "our best ally against climate change" by the UN.
A North Atlantic right whale surfaces on Cape Cod Bay, in Massachusetts, the U.S., March 27, 2023. /CFP
However, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and human activities have been damaging the health of the oceans, causing detrimental changes to life under water and on land.
According to NASA, 90 percent of global warming is occurring in the oceans, causing the water's internal heat to increase. As the excessive heat and energy warms the oceans, the change in temperature leads to cascading effects, including sea-level rise, marine heat waves and ocean acidification.
Data from the United Nations Environment Programme shows that June last year saw the highest ever average global ocean surface temperatures. Waters in Florida reached 38 degrees Celsius, and the Mediterranean Sea also hit an all-time high at 28.7 degrees Celsius. These heat waves can have a devastating effect on marine life and lead to multiple mass mortalities of marine animals and plants.
Average sea levels have swelled around 23 centimeters since 1880. Every year, the sea rises another 3.2 millimeters, according to data from National Geographic. In the Pacific island country of Tuvalu, the sea level has been quietly creeping upwards for years. It is estimated that half of its capital, Fogafale, will be flooded by tidal waters by 2050, according to the UNDP.
Marine pollution also threatens the ecosystem of oceans. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), around 8 to 10 million metric tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans each year. By 2050, plastic is likely to outweigh all fish in the sea.
A fisherman arrives at a beach full of rubbish in the Kwanyar district, Bangkalan, Madura Island of Indonesia, May 13, 2024. /CFP
World Oceans Day is not just a day of celebration but also a starting point for more individuals, communities and nations to engage in action, and to take concrete steps to protect our oceans. As it is declared in the theme of World Oceans Day 2024, this day provides opportunities for more people to awaken a new depth to motivate widespread momentum for the oceans.