Around 70% of the Earth surface is covered by water. And a lot of planet health depends on it. Yes, these waters (mostly oceans) provide many ecosystem services that we couldn't live without. From nutrient cycling, to carbon sequestration. Whether you put a monetary value to it or not, the services are there. Yet we are placing huge strains onto our oceans.
Starting with pollution, as we are waking up to yet another oil spill, taking the form of plastic pollution, but also noise pollution. And then we have climate change. If you remember the ipcc report that came out last year, it did not paint a pretty picture of the situation at all. Seas are rising and Venice experiences yet again another 'anomalous' high water event. We should be worried, yet worrying alone is not enough at all. And actually if we act (now, promptly) there is hope for a reversal. Actions speak louder than words, and words speak louder than thoughts. So here are some suggestions for this world ocean day, coming up on Tuesday: Actions for your lifestyle 1) Re-think of your waste, how it is likely to end in the water system and how to avoid it doing so. Remember the 3 R - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. 2) consider buying products made from rescued materials from the sea (e.g. ghost nets) 3) consider your fish consumption, where it comes from and how it is caught Actions 1) Sign the petition to protect at least 30% of our blue planet by 2030 2) Ask local politician for concrete actions regarding abolishing single use plastics, discards of sewage, regulation of shipping. Inform yourself on local issues and get in touch with local charities like the marine conservation society. Consider taking action against the big cruise ships. 3) support local charities that may have taken a toll from the outbreak too! And if you are reading me from Italy and have Venice at heart, see what 'We are Here Venice' is doing and see how you can help by donating, visiting the support page Fun things 1) Watch the blue planet and blue planet II to learn and become even more fascinated with the oceans 2) Find an event to attend (there are plenty of online ones - see here), and, if you are stuck for ideas, the rally to clean up cruising is where you are likely going to find me 3) Engage your kids in some ocean related activity. See this great list of sea themed arts and crafts! What is your relationship with the oceans and what are you going to do for this 2020 world oceans' day ?
2 Comments
6/8/2020 06:17:02 pm
Thank you for all the advice! I really liked this article, as I always think there's more one can do than share a fact about the climate, we can share links to petition, encourage people to do more than just like a post. The tips given are very useful, I'm gonna look it up !
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6/9/2020 12:16:14 am
So many different things we can do! Thank you for highlighting different ways of getting involved and making sure we care properly for our oceans.
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