Over seventy per cent of the Earth’s surface is ocean. Many of our oceans are being damaged by human activity. On June 8, we recognize the importance of the oceans with World Ocean Day. This important day in the environmental calendar began on 8 June 1992. It was started by a group of environmentalists at the Earth Summit in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. On World Ocean Day, activities take place around the world. These let us appreciate how important the oceans are to us and how they are essential for our survival. It is a day for us to learn more about the diversity of life in the oceans and how our actions are killing many species. The day also hopes to raise awareness that our oceans are an important part of keeping our planet at the right temperature.

The world's oceans are under serious threat today. Over-fishing, pollution and global warming are just a few of the things damaging the seas. Climate change means sea levels are rising. Scientists say that within fifty years, many of today’s countries will be under water. A warming world also changes the way ocean water circulates. If parts of the world become too warm, ocean temperatures could change and cause havoc to the world’s weather patterns. Changing water temperatures could also make many marine species extinct. Oceans are becoming saltier because of global warming. This is killing many coral reefs, which lead to many species of ocean life dying. We really need to start thinking about how our lives damage the oceans.

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