The vast oceans covering our planet are facing an unprecedented threat from human activity, putting the Earth's primary life support system in jeopardy, warns a leading conservation expert.
The Stakes for Our Blue Planet
Lasse Gustavsson, CEO of Ocean Wise, emphasizes the critical role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth. "The oceans are our greatest natural resource," Gustavsson states, "and they are at risk due to human activity."
Scientific data reveals the immense scale of this natural resource: oceans comprise 71% of the Earth's surface and contain 96% of the planet's water. More crucially, marine ecosystems generate approximately 60% of the oxygen humans need to breathe, making their health directly tied to human survival.
Alarming Data from the Deep
According to information collected by the Argo Network—a global scientific program utilizing over 4,000 robotic floats that travel ocean currents—the evidence of ocean warming is undeniable. These sophisticated instruments dive to depths of 2,000 meters, surface, and transmit valuable climate data to scientists worldwide.
"The data shows temperatures are up by more than one degree Celsius over the past 145 years," Gustavsson reveals. This warming occurs because oceans absorb more than 90% of excess energy trapped by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
The Double Threat: Warming and Acidification
As oceans continue to absorb this excess energy, they face a second critical challenge. "In the process of absorbing that energy, the acidification level of ocean waters is also rising," Gustavsson explains.
This dual threat of warming and acidification poses significant risks to marine ecosystems, potentially disrupting the delicate balance that allows oceans to produce most of the planet's oxygen and regulate global climate patterns.
Gustavsson recently discussed these urgent issues during a Conversation That Matters, focusing on the vital role oceans play in human survival, the specific risks they face, and potential strategies to mitigate harm. The complete discussion is available for viewing online.
