World Oceans Day | 09 Jun 2020
Why in News
The World Oceans Day is celebrated every year on 8th June to create awareness about the benefits that mankind gets from the ocean.
- The Day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008.
- The theme of the World Oceans Day 2020 is ‘Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean’.
Key Points
- Importance of Oceans:
- Oceans cover 71% of the Earth’s surface and hold 97% of the planet’s water.
- They help feed the world and provide most of the oxygen.
- A variety of life-saving medicinal compounds, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer drugs have been discovered in the oceans.
- The ocean is vital to the world’s economy, with more than 90% of trade using sea routes and as a source of jobs for millions of people.
- They play a key role in regulating the weather and climate.
- The Sustainable Development Goal 14 is ‘Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development’.
- Threats to Oceans:
- Pollution, overfishing, invasive species, and rising ocean acidity due to the extensive use of fossil fuels.
- Plastic waste is also one of the biggest threats faced by the oceans today.
Way forward
The oceans are facing unprecedented pressures from factors ranging from pollution to climate change. Thus, the need to balance the preservation of a healthy ocean and ever-increasing economic activities requires a fresh approach and rethinking in many areas.