Why we must thank our oceans

On Saturday June 8, we celebrate World Oceans Day, an official international day dedicated to recognising the voice of ocean and coastal nations worldwide.

We all understand the importance our oceans play in our economies and our ecology (no one likes seeing our oceans, seas and rivers flooded by plastic), but what is less well understood is the role they play in absorbing carbon dioxide.

In fact, our oceans soak up to 50% of all fossil fuel-related carbon dioxide emissions - 20 times more than trees, other land plants, and soil combined.

According to Copernicus Marine Service, the ocean has absorbed about 30% of man-made carbon dioxide emissions since the 1980’s. On average the ocean is sucking in around 60 billion kg of carbon dioxide each year.

And it’s having to work harder now than before. From 2010-2015, the global ocean absorbed 1.4 times more carbon dioxide than it did in the 80s and scientists worry how much they are able to take.

Moreso, they are worried about the affect it is having on the oceans themselves. It seems the increase of CO2 in our waters is directly linked to increased acidification of them.

Our waters are now 40% more acidic than before the industrial era. And, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, ocean acidification is expected to have a negative impact on many marine species potentially alter marine food chains and food supply to humans.

Acidification could also decrease storm protection from reefs, tourism opportunities, and other benefits, experts believe.

So, if you spend your June 8 by the sea, do spare a thought for the effort your oceans go to save us from the worst effects of global warming.