World Oceans Day on June 8

• The United Nations observes World Oceans Day on June 8.

• 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 mobilise and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world's oceans.

• “Reimagine”, the theme of World Oceans Day 2026.

Greatest ally against climate change

• The ocean covers over 70 per cent of the planet. 

• It is our life source, supporting humanity’s sustenance and that of every other organism on earth.

• The ocean produces at least 50 per cent 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. 

• It is not just “the lungs of the planet” but also its largest ‘carbon sink’ – a vital buffer against the impacts of climate change.

• Oceans absorb about 30 per cent of carbon dioxide produced by humans, buffering the impacts of global warming.

• The ocean is central to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and stabilising the Earth’s climate.

• Increasing greenhouse gas emissions have affected the health of the ocean — warming and acidifying seawater — causing detrimental changes to life under water and on land, and reducing the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide and safeguard life on the planet. 

• The ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.

• However, the ocean is now in need of support.

• With 90 per cent of big fish populations depleted, and 50 per cent of coral reefs destroyed, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. 

The potential of ocean and wind energy

• The ocean is an incredible source of renewable energy — off-shore wind and ocean energy, derived from natural sources, such as wind, water and tides, that don't emit carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

• Off-shore wind power is generated by the airflow through wind turbines that mechanically turn electric generators. 

• Wind energy technology, which has been used for a millennia, has evolved over the last few years to maximise the electricity produced. Wind power could cover more than one third of global power needs, becoming the world’s foremost energy source. 

• Ocean energy systems use the kinetic and thermal energy of seawater — waves or currents for instance — to produce electricity or heat. 

• Ocean energy systems are still at an early stage of development, with a number of prototype wave and tidal current devices being explored. Ocean energy has the potential to easily exceed present human energy requirements.