Ocean: place where the first life sprouted
Remembering the importance of oceans on this world ocean day.
We keep on saying that earth is our home. But do we really mean what we say? Or by saying home, do we only refer to the lands we own and use? Earth is not only filled with lands, but also with vast water resources. Human beings, being one of the terrestrial species, think that there is no need to seriously take care of the water resources on earth. In order to have a healthy life on earth , we need to take care of the whole earth, including its water resources. Ocean, being the largest water resource, needs to be taken care of very urgently.
Oceans cover up three fourths of earth and thereby making it the major part of the earth's environment . To save and nurture the environment, is to save ourselves.Ocean gives us freshwater and most of earth’s oxygen, which implies that ocean health is really connected to human health. Sight of an ocean is even good for our mental health. Studies show that staring at the ocean changes our brain waves’ frequency and puts us into a mild meditative state. Ocean also allows us to relax and it's a major medium for tourism and transport.
Marine pollution and other environmental degradation such as ocean acidification and human activities has caused our oceans adversely. We have a misconception that oceans don't count as our home because that's not where we live. But the entire planet is our home and the lives of entire species residing on the planet are as important as human lives.
We need to maintain the ecological balance in order to be healthy as a species on earth. When physical modifications are done by human beings, they affect the pH of the ocean and thereby affect the survival of organisms living in the ocean. There are people living in coastal areas whose main livelihood is fishing in the ocean. Mistreating the ocean and its diversities can cause harm to those people too.The disasters and hazards can be fatal to them and cause massive destruction. Eating contaminated seafood may cause serious illness. But, taking proper care of the ocean can always help our lives here on earth. The future of oceans is to be looked upon seriously for a better tomorrow. We, as humans, do not lead a life separate from the ocean or the environment.
What can we do?
Proper fishing practices
Fishing can be limited to certain areas in a way not to disturb the aquatic biodiversity to a higher extent. Life is about letting live too.
Less pollution
Pollutants and contaminants can cause ocean and other water resources to deplete and lose their natural diversity. Always remember oceans are not a garbage pail for those who live on land.
More sustainable
Use eco-friendly products so that even when we dispose of them, it does not cause harm to earth and its resources. Take part in cleaning the environment . Reducing and reusing the industrial waste is another much needed activity to follow. There are people who use ppe kit waste and cloth waste to make mattresses and thereby aim and march to a collective good.
As theme for world ocean day 2021 is The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods, let's focus on the life and livelihood the greatest water resource can offer and be grateful by promoting sustainable development of earth and its resources, especially ocean , which is considered the least important. It is the need of the hour to implement sustainable development practices and use our resources wisely. And, always remember not to limit these practices to just one day. In this fast pacing world where we strive for economical stability, let me remind you what the environmentalist, Sundarlal Bahuguna said, “Ecology is the permanent economy”
Let's be more eco-friendly on this world ocean day!
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