World Oceans Day — The Ocean: Life and livelihoods

WORLD OCEANS DAY - 8 JUNE 2021

“World Oceans Day reminds every one of the major role the oceans have in everyday life. They are the lungs of our Planet and a major source of food and medicine and a critical part of the biosphere.”

— UNITED NATIONS

The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen, it is home to most of earth’s biodiversity, and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world. Not to mention, the ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.

Even though all its benefits, the ocean is now in need of support.

With 90% of big fish populations depleted, and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. To protect and preserve the ocean and all it sustains, we must create a new balance, rooted in true understanding of the ocean and how humanity relates to it. We must build a connection to the ocean that is inclusive, innovative, and informed by lessons from the past.

“The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods” is the theme for World Oceans Day 2021, as well as a declaration of intentions that launches a decade of challenges to get the Sustainable Development Goal 14, “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources”, by 2030.g.

The purpose of the Day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world's oceans.

Source: UN

SUSTAINABILITY AND ESG

ESG stands for: Environmental, Social and Governance.

This is also called sustainability – that is, not just about the environment, but sustainability in a broader sense.

In a business context, sustainability is about the company’s business model, for example how its products and services contribute to sustainable development.

It is also about a company’s risk management, for example how it manages its own operations to minimize negative impact on society and the environment.

To be truly sustainable, companies need to consider how their business affects natural capital. World Oceans Day puts the spotlight on how human actions affects the ocean.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen.
• The ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.
• Oceans absorb about 30% of carbon dioxide produced by humans, buffering the impacts of global warming.