OCEANS 🌊

Oceans have been there on Earth since the very beginning. Mother Nature and the Ocean King have always worked together, hand in hand to support life on Earth in every way they can.

The mighty oceans cover about 2/3rds or 70% of the Earth's surface. With so much of the Earth's surface taken up by the ocean, it is evident how vital these marine environments are to the planet and how much there still is to be explored.

The continental shelves and ocean floors are home to many important minerals, including oil and natural gas, these play in a massive role in meeting our energy needs and are vital to hold up and stabilise our economy. And as more than 66% of our world's population lives within 100 kilometres off the coastline, it is not surprising that many of the foods and products we eat or use as medicine contain ingredients from the sea.

The oceans hold 97% of the total water on the Earth. About 78% of the global precipitation and 86% of global evaporation takes place over the oceans.

Not only are oceans essential in the process of sustaining life on Earth, but also for moving materials that we use. Without commercial ships and barges, transportation of goods from one place to another would be much more difficult and expensive.

Cities with natural harbours have always had an advantage, and even today are some of the most successful cities in the world.

The oceans produce over half of the world's Oxygen and absorbs more Carbon dioxide than our atmosphere.

Covering 70% of the Earth's surface the ocean transports heat from the equator to the poles, regulating the climate and weather.

We still only know a fraction of the marine species in our oceans. According to the World Register of Marine Species there are now about 25,000 accepted species, but it's believed to be just a small portion of the species that exist within the oceans.

This climate crisis has given us all a renewed appreciation for our planets oceans and its marine life. Here are some things that YOU can do to help

• Drink tap water where it is safe to do so
• Say NO to plastic straws and say YES to reusable ones
• While visiting the beach throw your trash only IN the dustbins provided
• When it is plastic think TWICE

- Annanya Desai