The annual celebration on June 8 is a reminder of the oceans’ key role in everyday life as the “lungs of our planet” and as a source of food and medicine.
The Secretary-General noted that although this year’s theme focuses on its importance to the cultural and economic survival of societies around the world recent report That asserted that many of the benefits the oceans provide are undermined by human activity.
Pollution, overfishing and acidification
“Our seas are suffocating with plastic waste, which can be found from the most remote atolls to the deepest ocean trenches.” He said.
But the list does not end there. “Poaching causes an annual loss of approximately $90 billion in net benefits – which also increases the vulnerability of women, who are vital to the survival of small fishing businesses,” he added.
“Carbon emissions are warming and acidifying the oceans, destroying biodiversity, and causing sea level rise that threatens inhabited coasts.”
sustainable development link
world oceans day Fall as countries continue to face COVID-19 The Secretary-General said the pandemic, the climate crisis and the ongoing assault on oceans, seas and marine resources.
With more than three billion people worldwide, especially in developing countries, dependent on the ocean for their livelihoods, he called for action.
“As we strive to recover from COVID-19, let us end our war on nature,” Mr. Guterres said.
“This will be critical to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, while maintaining a target of 1.5° Paris Agreementand ensuring the health of our oceans for today’s and future generations.”
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