5. Regulation of Climate
An Example of Climate Change in the Arctic
The ocean regulates our climate, believe it or not. The ocean's currents transports warm water and precipitation from the equator toward the poles and cold water from the poles back to the tropics ("Climate Change and The World's Oceans"). With that being said, currents with pick up every piece of trash that is in its path.
If you want to continue to enjoy nice, relaxing vacations at the beach, take care of the ocean and keep it clean. This means throw all of your trash in a designated area. All in all, I 100% agree that we, as humans, are contributing to climate change.
4. Ocean Life Is In Danger
Turtle vs. Plastic Bag
Most of the ocean life (that scientists have discovered) get confused between the difference of "real" food and loose trash. According to Australian Geographic, it only takes 14 pieces of plastic to kill a turtle (Hardetsy, B). Much marine life either ingests the trash or gets tangled in it.
Really remember that next time you are "just sitting this down for a second" while referring to an empty bottle.
3. Goodbye Vacations
Young, Wild, and Free
Like I stated before, everyone's ideal vacation is going to the beach. Have you ever stood in the ocean and felt a sense of relief and freedom? You can breathe in the salty ocean air while wading in crystal clear water. Amazing, but think how you would feel if you see a piece of trash floating around you? It would kill the whole ambiance, wouldn't it?
2. Food Source
Cultures Near The Coast
The majority of cultures on the coasts rely on the ocean to provide the food. Examples include China, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. About 90% of their diet is from fish. Healthy oceans are crucial for food production. Each year, an estimated 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans, with microplastics becoming part of the food chain ("Oceans, Fisheries, and Coastal Economies"). With plastic and other trash in the oceans, food production declines.
1. Without The Ocean, Humans Could Not Survive
Save The Oceans
About half of the oxygen we breathe is produced in the world's oceans and absorbs 50 times more carbon dioxide than our atmosphere. The oxygen is due to the tiny phytoplankton which lie in the oceans. The oceans reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the ocean is also a source of new medicines that target cancer, bacteria, and other pain ("National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration"). Help yourself by helping the oceans.
In order to keep the oceans healthy enough to do its purpose, we need to keep it clean and plastic free. Please remember this article in a few months when you are at the beach during spring break. We can save the ocean without even thinking about it. It all starts with cleaning up after yourself! Picking up your trash not only saves your life in the long run, but it also saves the animals who call the ocean their home.
Work Cited:
"FEATURE: Climate Change and the World's Oceans." United Nations, United Nations, www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2017/06/fea....
Hardesty, Britta. "How Much Plastic Does It Take to Kill a Turtle?" Australian Geographic, 14 Sept. 2018, www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/science-env....
"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration." E | A-Z Index of U.S. Government Departments and Agencies | USAGov, USAGov, www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/national-oceanic-and-....
"Oceans, Fisheries and Coastal Economies." World Bank, www.worldbank.org/en/topic/environment/brief/oceans.
