Keep it clean and save it!!!
Jul 07, 2021|14Life Below Water
Oceans, seas and coastal areas form an essential component of the Earth's ecosystem. They cover more than two-thirds of the Earth's surface and contain 97% of the planet's water. Additionally, the oceans are home to 228,450 known animal species — and an estimated other 2 million undiscovered species.
Can you imagine a world without oceans?
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), at least 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year. The problem with this plastic pollution is that marine species are unable to identify what is plastic and what is food and end up ingesting or getting entangled by plastic debris, which causes severe injuries and deaths.
Our waste has a negative impact on our ocean's conservation and marine life. One of the UN Targets focuses on managing and protecting marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts. This is why legal efforts have been made at the international and national levels to address marine pollution. The 1972 Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping Wastes and Other Matter (or the London Convention) and the 1996 Protocol to the London Convention (the London Protocol) are the most important.
Thinking Cap On
Keeping the oceans clean and the ecosystems healthy is not an easy task. Without a doubt, it will take the collaboration of all nations, mainly because oceans form part of many different countries in the world. Governments, research institutions and industries need to work collaboratively redesigning products and rethinking disposal methods.
One thing you can do to help? Participate as a volunteer on a beach clean-up program near you. Ask your parents to search and find any opportunities coming up!