While Active Giving is currently mainly focused on planting trees we know that the Earth needs help on many fronts, and one of those fronts is our oceans. Today we are celebrating the UN World Ocean Day.

The ocean is what makes our planet habitable for all life. Without it, neither us, nor the trees we help plant, would have anything to live off of. Here’s are some reasons why we need to protect our oceans.

Breathing!

Right from the word go, we rely to the Ocean to just breath. 50% of life-giving Oxygen comes from the Ocean. Tiny plankton and the Ocean’s plants absorb CO2 and through a process called photosynthesis and release O2 back into the atmosphere. So every time you breathe, half of the oxygen you take in has come from the Ocean – so we literally need it to survive.

Weather and climate

The Ocean drives our weather and climate. In fact, 98% of the heat from the sun’s rays are absorbed by the Ocean. This heat is then moved around the earth via currents, so the warm water at the equator is moved around the earth, up to the poles.

Water Cycle

The Ocean plays a key part of the water cycle. When the sun shines and the warm currents heat the Ocean, water evaporates. This not only forms clouds but also increases the air temperature and the humidity… creating weather. The clouds then get blown back over the land, then it rains, and this water is used by every living thing on the planet before making its way back to the Ocean. Without this process, most of our planet would be desert.

Food for us

The Ocean provides protein to nearly 3 billion humans and every plant, vegetable and animal has grown though access to water produced through the water cycle driven by the Ocean. So, everything you eat is connected to the Ocean.

Human health and wellbeing

So, the Ocean gives us life – that is undeniable. But it also impacts our quality of life. Studies show that being in, on, near or under the Ocean can make us happier, healthier, more connected and better at what we do.

  • Ocean biodiversity: The movement of gentle Ocean waves and fish in an aquarium is known as Heraclitean Motion. These peaceful, repetitive movements are psychologically calming
  • Reduces stress: Studies have shown that people perceive nature as a positive, and spending time amongst it is known to improve mood
  • Improved health and wellbeing: various studies have shown improved mental and physical health in those who spend time near the coast
  • Therapeutic landscape: studies show that people prefer to look at scenes that contain blue and green elements (but more blue is favoured)
  • Relaxation: When swimming, breathing patterns affect the brain and increase positive hormones
  • Revitalisation: Negative ions (electrically charged particles that float in the atmosphere) are abundant by the sea. Breathing sea air gives us an energy boost.
  • Ocean sounds: The sounds of waves support meditation techniques

(source : https://oceanconservationtrust.org/think-ocean/why-is-the-ocean-important/)