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This article was originally published on Greenpeace Argentina’s website.
The oceans are vital to the survival of our planet. They provide food and work for millions, and they are vital to weather control. Without them, the planet would not be able to sustain itself.
The Climate crisisWe are also experiencing a crisis in the oceans. We can see the effects of this crisis in fires and droughts as well as in carbon capture and climate control. The climate effects of human exploitation are ongoing and often irreversible. Healthy oceansPlay a Essential roleTo mitigate the effects of climate collapse, but Overfishing, Exploration for oil and gas, plastic pollutionOur oceans are experiencing huge exhaustion and this is affecting their ability, to cope with climate change.
Oceans represent 70% of the planet and international waters comprise 43% of the planet’s surface but only an alarming one percent of international waters are protected. As a result of the constant threat from human activity and the absence of protection mechanisms, almost half of the planet is in danger.
These are 10 facts about climate and oceans.
1. Oceans absorb 90% of the climate system’s excess heat.
2. Without oceans, earth’s temperature would have risen 36 °C (96.8 °F).
3. The ocean currents are being affected by climate change. For example, in the Argentine Sea this means that the reach for the Brazil warm current is expanding towards the south.
5. Each year, the oceans contribute between 50% to 80% of oxygen to our atmosphere.
6. Prochlorococcus, an extremely small cyanobacteria which is part the marine phytoplankton is responsible for producing greater oxygen than all the tropical forests around the world.
7. The oceans absorb nearly one-third of the methane, CO2 and carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere (10 gigatons) 30 times faster that tropical forests.
8. Human activities, such as overfishing, plastic pollution, and offshore gas and oil extraction, affect the ocean’s ability to fulfill the functions that help cope and deal with climate change.
9. If flood protection measures are not improved, the annual damage caused by flooding will increase by two to three times the current level.
10. It is anticipated that the El Niño extreme events will occur approximately twice as many times as in the 21st century.
What can we do to save our oceans?
1. Protect at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 through the creation of a Global Ocean Treaty.
2. Prohibit all commercial whale hunting in the world.
3. Stop ocean contamination
4. Combat illegal, unregulated, or undeclared fishing among other demands.
5. Stop and forbid the extraction of fossil-fuel fuels from the seabed.
What’s next?
Greenpeace’s Arctic Sunrise is currently in the Argentine Sea, conducting research into vulnerable marine ecosystems. Greenpeace Argentina also demands that the human right to a stable environment be fully protected.Suspension on oil exploration projects They will have severe consequences on the ocean, biodiversity, and climate.
We must stop the industrialization of our global commons. Nearly five millions people across the globe signed a petition calling on world leaders for a strong Global Ocean Treaty. Sign up to join them.
Protect the Oceans
What if our oceans were treated like they matter?
Laura Colombo is the Digital Engagement Coordinator for Greenpeace Argentina.
