The ocean is man’s best ally against climate change. It produces 50% of the oxygen needed by living things, absorbs 25% of carbon dioxide emissions and captures 90% of the excess heat produced by these emissions. really “lung” of the planet and largest carbon sinkan essential buffer against the effects of the climate crisis.
The United Nations (UN) called protect the ocean: “Reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and stabilizing the planet’s climate is essential.”
But his health is deteriorating. Increasing greenhouse gas emissions are heating and acidifying seawaterIt has caused dire changes to life underwater and on land.
Moreover, reduced the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide and protect life on the planet,” warned the UN.
Ocean habitats, for example seagrass beds or mangrovesTogether with their associated food webs, they can trap so much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that they can even quadruple the speed of forests on land.
Capturing and storing carbon mangroves An invaluable resource in the fight against climate change.
Mangroves store an average of 1,000 tons of this carbon per hectare., both in the biomass and in the underlying soil. In addition, these ecosystemshelp ensure healthy fisheries, improve water quality and protect coasts from floods and storms“, underlined the United Nations.
value of coral reefs
this coral reefs They are among the most economically and ecologically valuable ecosystems in the world.
Although they occupy less than 0.1% of the entire world’s ocean, they support more than 25% of marine biodiversity and help 1,000 million people with benefits for conservation, recreation and well-being, which they offer on the coasts, in fishing, as a source of medicine. tourist benefits.
this marine protected areas They represent one of the best options for protecting ocean health, according to the UN. They cover 6.35% of the ocean, which is almost ten times more than in 2000.
But to protect these mangroves and coral reefs broadening the scope of these areas is “basic”The UN will “continue the resilience of the ocean in the face of climate change,” he said.
“The ocean is an incredible source of renewable energy, derived from natural sources such as wind, water, and tides, both as offshore wind and ocean energy,” and as the UN points out, “carbon or other greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
this wind powerUsed for thousands of years, it has evolved in recent years to maximize the electricity produced. It can produce more than a third of global energy needs and “primary energy source of the planet“.
this ocean energy systems They use the thermal and kinetic energy of seawater: waves or currents, for example, to generate electricity and heat. Although still at an early stage of development and research, it has the potential to easily exceed current human energy requirements.
Transition to zero-emission energies
“90% of trade transactions are made by river or sea, which represents about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. By 2050, CO2 emissions from ships must be reduced to zero“, the UN insisted.
This means moving from traditional fossil fuels to new, zero-emission energy sources such as hydrogen, ammonia, methanol or wind.
this ecological sea corridors (sea routes between two ports that prefer carbon neutral technologies on ships) accelerate decarbonization in the maritime industry. There are already those crossing the Pacific between the ports of Los Angeles and Shanghai, and in the Atlantic between Antwerp and Montreal.
green shipping, a sustainable “blue” economypromoting economic development and people’s well-being through Correct production, trade and shipping practices that do not harm the health of our oceans.
More than 680 million people, about 10% of the world’s population, live in low-lying coastal areas. The probability of extinction due to floods and storms is 15 times more than other regions.
The UN calls for measures that anticipate risks, vulnerabilities and solutions, including: early warning systems Y sustainable natural solutions. A simple 24 hours notice can reduce damage done by about 30%.
A third of the planet’s inhabitants are not protected by early warning systems. The UN commissioned the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to lead these efforts. Ensuring that everyone on the planet is protected by these systems in the next five years.