A powerful video was shown that echoed this theme, awaken new depthswarns of the need for immediate protection and warns that there is no time for a sense of “out of sight” complacency.
In a statement marking the Day – which officially falls on Saturday – UN Secretary General António Guterres said oceans sustain life on Earth and that problems are essentially man-made.
“Climate change is causing sea levels to rise and threatening the existence of small island developing states and coastal populations“, he say.
Mr. Guterres also mentioned that ocean acidification is destroying coral reefs, and sea temperatures are reaching record levels, leading to extreme weather events. Overfishing and other factors are contributing to the destruction of the world’s marine ecosystems.
General Assembly President Dennis Francis attended the event and expressed similar concerns about the current state of the ocean.
“There is still much to learn about the ocean – and importantly, to reverse the damage being done to our precious lifeline resource.”
Mr. Francis said that the ocean is our strongest ally against climate change and therefore “It is our collective responsibility to make amends – and recommit ourselves to the sustainable management of our oceans’ precious resources. – to ensure their availability between generations.”
The Secretary-General and President of the General Assembly said they were looking forward to reflections and actions towards ways to restore and protect our oceans at the Future Summit in September 2024 and how to move forward. of the United Nations Ocean Conference next year.
Report on the current state of the ocean
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has released one Report on the current state of the ocean earlier in the week prompted policymakers to think about “the ocean we need for the future we want.”
The report details threats to the ocean and trends that can help identify drivers of change.
It warns that the rate of ocean warming has doubled in 20 years and that coastal species are being suffocated by falling oxygen levels in the ocean, among other reasons.
One of its conclusions is that “research and practice of ocean literacy is a strategic ally to optimize resources, accelerate behavioral change and improve the implementation of conservation programs.” ocean conservation and sustainable activities”.
Call to action
Speakers at United Nations Headquarters on Friday included marine biologist and oceanographer Sylvia Earle, who said finding ways to share the importance of protecting our oceans with the world has can lead to important action to conserve coastal wildlife.
“The time is now for governments, businesses, investors, scientists and communities Together we protect our oceansUN Secretary General Guterres said.
In a similar call to action, General Assembly President Francis said we should “redouble our efforts to support and advance ocean actionCapacity building is essential [small island developing states]and other developing countries – and promote innovative financial solutions that accelerate transformation and strengthen resilience.”
