World Oceans Day: Together We Can Protect Our World
The World Oceans Day, which is observed on June 8 every year, is a reminder to us on what role do the oceans play in our daily lives. Oceans are the lungs of our Earth and they generate most of the oxygen that we breathe. This day is celebrated to inspire us in contributing towards the preservation and betterment of the oceans. Many countries across the world have celebrated this day since 1992, after the UN Conference on Environment was held at Brazil – Rio de-Janeiro.
This year's theme of the World Oceans Day is Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean, which focuses on building innovative methods to sustain the oceans of the world.
This year because of Covid-19 the event will be celebrated virtually through online seminars, webinars and discussions. The event will throw light on proven methods that have been successful in scaling up the ocean health effectively.
The oceans' organisms and ecosystems serve towards the health of mankind. The oceans serve as a source of food and medicines, and also form the most critical part of the biosphere.
Many influencers, thought leaders, and world leaders are now involved in the movement to better the ocean health by at least 30% by 2030.
Some Interesting Facts About The Oceans And Ocean Life
- Oceans make for about 70% of the Earth's surface
- Marine species outnumber land species.
- Only less than 5% of the ocean life has been explored until now.
- The longest chain of mountains is under water beneath the oceans stretching to about 65,000 kilometres.
- 70% of the world's oxygen is produced by ocean plants and marine life.
- The Pacific Ocean is the world's largest ocean, and is even wider than the Moon.
- Half of the United States is under the Ocean.
- The are about three million ship wrecks in the oceans.
- The oceans hold up to 20 million tonnes of gold.