As the largest ecosystem on the planet, the world鈥檚 ocean is a pillar of climate regulation and a powerful source of solutions to the changing climate. scientists use nuclear and nuclear derived techniques to understand the processes and mechanisms that control the oceans and propose strategies to protect people and the marine environment from the impacts of climate change, pollution, habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.
On this , Lewis Pugh took a dip with some Cape Fur Seals off the tip of Africa near Cape Town. During his swim, the UN Patron of the Oceans asks us to consider our impact on oceans and what we can do to make a positive difference to save our seas.
Covering some 70% of the Earth's surface, the ocean is a major driver of the world's weather and climate. Today, the growing impacts of climate change are making ocean observations, research, and services more critical than ever before. On , 23 March, we highlight the inextricable link between ocean, climate and weather. It is also the launch of the (2021-2030), to strengthen connections between communities working to study, conserve and sustainably use the ocean and its resources.
The first of its World Heritage marine sites鈥 blue carbon ecosystems highlights the critical environmental value of these habitats in fighting climate change.
Oceans are an essential part of our planet. They provide us with food to eat and keep our atmosphere healthy. Without the oceans, we simply wouldn鈥檛 exist. But climate change means that ocean temperatures are increasing, icebergs are melting, and sea levels are rising. We need action to reverse these trends, and raising awareness is the first step. To do so, hosted an online discussion titled Talking Oceans and Climate Change.
To better understand the mysteries of the world鈥檚 oceans, a team of scientists is using satellite imaging to map out, in unprecedented detail, one of the planet鈥檚 most iconic underwater ecosystems: the shallow coral reef.
The Ocean Decade will harness, stimulate and empower interdisciplinary ocean research at all levels, to support the timely delivery of the data, information and knowledge needed to achieve a well-functioning ocean in support of all SDGs of the 2030 Agenda.
The marine realm is the largest component of the Earth鈥檚 system that stabilizes the climate and supports life on Earth and human well-being. That鈥檚 why the UN proclaimed the to support efforts to reverse the cycle of decline in ocean health.
Lack of funding is hampering the development of marine research and its valuable applications, according to a published by UNESCO鈥檚 Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.
The course in the Philippines introduced participants to the key features of marine biology and environmental impacts of invasive species.
The mesopelagic zone of the ocean, between 200 and 1 000 metres down, is where lanternfish often group together, forming dense layers. In fact, these layers contain so many fish tightly packed together that they can actually reflect sonar beams. For many years, oceanographers believed that the layers of fish were actually the ocean bottom! This is just one misconception proving how important it is to know about the sea life inhabiting the ocean depths. FAO鈥檚 helps scientists and researchers identify the fish in the ocean鈥檚 mesopelagic zone.
Monitoring climate adaptation in Guatemala鈥檚 marine coastal zones聽
has created immersive digital experiences for its campaign. These four ecosystem-based 鈥渏ourneys鈥 show the magic of interconnected natural systems and inspire people to take action to protect these distinct ecosystems. The first is . This aquatic adventure informs and inspires people to conserve coral reef, seagrass and mangrove ecosystems. The campaign aims at reversing trends such as two-thirds of oceans being significantly and negatively altered by human activity.
Join 鈥檚 virtual, immersive journey through three unique but connected marine ecosystems 鈥 mangroves, seagrass and coral reefs 鈥 that are threatened by human activity.
The ocean and COVID-19