The ocean’s importance isn’t limited to these ocean communities. Everyone is part of an ocean community, whether they recognize yet it or not. The ocean is a key element of the water cycle and drives both the day-to-day weather and climate around the world. It is a major source of blue food, or food from aquatic sources, which is poised to revolutionize global food systems.
For some, climate change is a topic of study or something they’re interested in. However, for islanders, it’s not abstract or theoretical. It is the fate that determines whether we sink or swim – literally.
People who live in places surrounded by water don’t have the luxury of debating whether the climate crisis is urgent or not.
Why we need to protect ocean communities
The ocean’s importance isn’t limited to these ocean communities. Everyone is part of an ocean community, whether they recognize yet it or not. The ocean is a key element of the water cycle and drives both the day-to-day weather and climate around the world. It is a major source of blue food, or food from aquatic sources, which is poised to revolutionize global food systems.
It provides half of the oxygen on Earth and is an unparalleled carbon sink, absorbing approximately 25% of anthropogenic carbon.
From the Pacific to the Arctic, humans are causing the ocean to warm, rise and become more acidic. As a result of the Ocean 100 study, global ocean businesses have responded to a call from scientists to collaborate and drive action for ocean health.
It is possible to track changes in the distribution of marine life by looking at the evolution of ocean temperature. For example, research suggests that invertebrates and fish are shifting poleward as the oceans warm.
The impacts of climate change to marine ecosystems will be less certain than previously thought. Adding in the vertical dimension reveals a much more complex picture for how marine thermal ranges will change.
Therefore, it is crucial that ocean depths are considered when attempting to study the impacts of a warming world on marine life and it is a job to do for everyone and not only islanders.
Original Source: World Economic Forum
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Universal Group takes great efforts in protecting the environment and ocean communities. Island Power Solutions is our specialized company for island communities, with the goal to find the best alternatives to clean energy production. IPS aims to replace the unsustainable fossil fuel energy, which is both expensive and polluting to the environment leading islands to reach 100% clean power production.
