Like every June 8, today is World Ocean Day, but do we know the reason for this day? When did it originate and for what purpose? What events are going to be held for its 2021 edition?
World Oceans Day 2021: Why is it celebrated on June 8?
The surface of the Earth is covered with 70% of water , but only 3% is fresh water. The rest, in fact, is included in the seas and oceans, which represent the most important resource for our ecosystem . In fact, it can be said without mistake that the oceans are fundamental to our life, they are the “lungs of the Earth” and we have a duty to preserve their health. World Oceans Day, which is celebrated on June 8 of each year, is dedicated to them.
Unfortunately, in recent years, the pollution of our oceans has increased exponentially , especially due to the presence of plastics and microplastics that are abandoned in the seas and rivers, becoming a danger to fish and all marine biodiversity, and then pouring into the coasts and areas affected by marine currents. It is precisely at these points where huge amounts of plastics accumulate, forming veritable floating islands of plastic, with a surface such that it covers entire nations.
Polluting plastic island
According to scientists, the largest plastic island is in the North Pacific , known as “Pacific Trash Vortex.” Its dimensions vary according to currents: at times of maximum accumulation it can measure up to 10 million square kilometers.
To reduce this serious criticality, over time we are trying to reduce the use of plastic , until it disappears completely and, thanks to the responsible behavior of many people, campaigns and initiatives to clean not only water, but also also the beaches and coasts.
We must not forget that the oceans contaminated by plastic have significant repercussions on the entire terrestrial ecosystem and not only on the marine one: ordinary plastics, in fact, are not biodegradable in any way. Only explicitly biodegradable plastics are, but for everyone else we are talking only about very slow wear: only with time and wear do plastics crumble, creating microplastics, not visible to the human eye but still harmful, especially for food. . Suffice it to say that the microplastics released during this process, however, were likely ingested by the finished tuna in the can that we bought and placed in our pantry.
The origins of World oceans Day
World Oceans Day is celebrated on June 8 of each year, on the occasion of the Anniversary of the World Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, and is an opportunity to reflect on the benefits that the oceans can provide and the Duty on each individual and community to interact with the oceans in a sustainable way, so that current needs are met, without compromising those of future generations.
How is 2021 going to be celebrated?
Every year, on the occasion of World Oceans Day, the accent is placed on a different theme for reflection and for 2021 the central theme is “Ocean: life and sustenance” , in order to shed light on the wonder of the ocean and on how is our source of life, which supports humanity and all other organisms on Earth
This is the second completely virtual celebration of World Oceans Day. Produced by the United Nations Division of Maritime Affairs and Maritime Law, in association with the non-profit organization Oceanic Global, presented by organizing partner Blancpain and sponsored by La Mer, the event will feature more than 40 opinion leaders , celebrities, institutional partners, community. voices, entrepreneurs and industry experts. In this way, and online, talks, round tables and presentations are held throughout the day today that will highlight biodiversity , the latest ocean discoveries, the interconnection between the ocean and its ecosystems, and more.
