Covering more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, oceans are one of the most essential components of our planet. The United Nations (UN) has designated June 8 as World Oceans Day to remind all of us how vast water bodies play a vital role in maintaining the planet’s ecosystem. According to the United Nations, the purpose of World Oceans Day is to inform the public about the impact of human actions on the sea.
The occasion also hopes to develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean and to mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans.
As we celebrate our planet’s ever-giving oceans, let us take a look at some of the facts that make it so fascinating:
- In addition to being a sight to behold, the oceans also breathe life into the planet as they produce at least 50 percent of Earth’s oxygen.
- The oceans hold about 321 million cubic miles or 1.34 billion cubic kilometers of water, which accounts for about 97 percent of Earth’s water supply. It also includes seawater by weight, which is about 3.5 percent dissolved salt and other essential minerals such as chlorine, magnesium and calcium.
- The oceans absorb the sun’s heat, and 30% of the carbon dioxide is produced by humans. As they absorb heat, the oceans transfer it to the atmosphere and distribute it around the world. This pattern of distribution of heat influences global weather patterns and helps regulate temperature over land. Ocean heaters in winter and air conditioners in summer, act as natural air conditioners.
- More than 80 percent of the ocean is unmapped and unexplored, making it an interesting region of our planet. It is also interesting to some marine enthusiasts how many species have yet to be discovered. The ocean is also home to some of the oldest living organisms in the world such as jellyfish, horseshoe crabs, and more.
- The oceans have not remained untouched by climate change and global warming. The year 2020 marked the ocean’s warmest year on record, and warm waters have produced a range of consequences, from changing color to endangered sea creatures like corals. Rising sea levels, more powerful storms, plastic pollution and more have put the health of the oceans at risk.
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