World Oceans Day is June 8 — it’s a time to celebrate the oceans and take steps to protect ocean health. Why celebrate the oceans? Whether you live on the coast or inland, we are all intimately connected to the oceans. The organizers of this year’s event are asking people to help spread awareness by taking a Selfie for the Sea. If you live near a beach, take a photograph of yourself cleaning it. Even if you don’t, try a selfie with a written promise to engage in an ocean-friendly activity. Post your photo to social media with the hashtag #WorldOceansDay.
Not into selfies? Just wear blue to celebrate the day!
A sticky-note stop animation made by one of our young World Oceans Day fans!
Please share this World Oceans Day 2012 Sticky Note Stop Motion video.
Canada first proposed the concept for World Oceans Day in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro
Visit: http://WorldOceansDay.org to learn more about this global day of celebration for our ocean!
Why celebrate Earth’s oceans at all? Whether you live near a coast, or not, we are all intimately connected with the oceans. Here are some of the ways:
- Oceans cover 71% of Earth’s surface, and they hold 97% of our planet’s water.
- The oceans help feed us and provide most of the oxygen that we breathe.
- Oceans also play a key role in regulating the weather and climate. Water evaporating from the oceans falls inland as rain, which we then use to drink and grow crops.
- A variety of life saving medicinal compounds including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer drugs have been discovered in the oceans.
- The oceans provide us with abundant opportunities for recreation and inspiration.
The theme for this year’s World Oceans Day is:
Together we have the power to protect the ocean.
Threats to the oceans include pollution, overfishing, invasive species, and rising ocean acidity due to the extensive use of fossil fuels. While these are indeed daunting problems, there are simple steps that you can to take to help protect the ocean.
For example, always recycle and use reusable water bottles and grocery bags to help reduce plastic pollution. You can reduce your carbon footprint by turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use and purchasing energy efficient products in the future. Making sustainable seafood choices is one of the most important things you can to do protect marine life, and there are now sustainable seafood guides available for many countries around the world.
Visit: http://WorldOceansDay.org to learn more about this global day of celebration for our ocean!
[Ref: Also Published by EarthSky on Ocean Day, June 8, 2014 - http://earthsky.org/earth]
