Increasing pollution and climate change big threat to sea

Ground Report | New Delhi: Increasing pollution and climate change big threat to seas; 80 percent of the pollution that contaminates seas and coasts originates on land. Activities such as agriculture, fisheries, shipping, mining, ports, tourism, increased construction on the coast are creating problems for the oceans and coasts. Despite this, however, there is hardly any effective system, which manages the interaction of land and sea.

A new report released by the International Resource Panel of the United Nations has also expressed concern and said that if changes are not made in it soon, it will have serious consequences. The report provides policymakers with options to help mitigate the growing impact of land-based activities on coastal resources. It also supports sustainable transition to an ocean-based economy.

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Two thirds of our Earth is covered by the ocean

About two-thirds of our Earth is covered by the ocean, which not only supports life and human well-being on Earth but also controls the climate. Oceans provide us with food, water, energy, raw materials, and most importantly life-giving oxygen. Along with this, it is also the basis of the livelihood of many people. Despite its innumerable benefits, today this ocean has reached such a situation where its future itself is threatened.

If we look at the increasing population, then by 2030 the global population will be 8.6 million, of which 60 percent will be living in cities. To meet the needs of such a growing population, the dependence on the oceans will increase further. If seen, today about 13 percent of the world's population lives near the coasts. Due to the increasing demand, the movement of goods through the seas will increase significantly than before. Similarly, the construction industry will also grow by about 85 percent by 2030. Which will also have an effect on the oceans.

World energy demand will increase about 30 percent by 2040

World energy demand will also increase by about 30 percent by 2040, due to which the demand for renewable energy will also increase by 60 percent, including energy being generated in the oceans. Deep-sea mining will increase significantly more than ever before to meet needs such as energy and smartphones. Along with this, increasing tourism along the coast will also increase pollution. Due to this all-important services provided by them will get disrupted which will have dire consequences.

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The way we are exploiting them. That in itself is a big problem. Not only this, increasing pollution and climate change are also a big threat to them. Which is causing serious damage to their biodiversity. As ocean temperatures and acidification are increasing, marine life will be forced to migrate. Along with this, the incidence of floods and storms coming on the coast will increase.

Increasing pollution and climate change; Future of our oceans is in danger

This concern is also reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals, which is why it is made clear in SDG-14, which aims to achieve sustainable use of the marine environment and resources. SDG 14 includes 'preventing and reducing all forms of marine pollution, especially pollution from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution' by 2025.

According to lead researcher Steve Fletcher associated with this report, there is no doubt that the future of our oceans is in danger. This is a global issue, so if we take separate action then it will not be as effective. For this, we need to make systematic changes, in which governments, communities, and businesses of different countries will have to take collective action together.

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