Why celebrate World Oceans Day?
All human beings depend on the sea, even if they live far inland.
The oxygen in our atmosphere is largely accounted for by phytoplankton (marine vegetation) that thrive in the ocean. Phytoplankton also forms the base of the food chain, with which all life forms depend upon.
THE SECRET LIFE OF PLANKTON
The oceans are essential to food security and the health and survival of all life, and are a critical part of the biosphere. In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly decided that, as from 2009, 8 June would be designated as “World Oceans Day” (resolution 63/111, paragraph 171). The official designation of World Oceans Day is an opportunity to raise global awareness of the current challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans.
WHY ENGAGE IN COASTAL CLEAN UP?
Scientists have been using the same sampling methods since the 1970s — and the same kinds of trawling nets, invented by oceanographer Lanna Cheng — to measure the amount of plastic in the ocean. As such, Miriam Goldstein and her colleagues are able to make historical comparisons, and measure increases in plastic density. Plastics which enter, circulate and accumulate in our waterways and oceans, may eventually break down to microplastics and enter the food chain. Concentrations of toxic chemicals leeched from the plastics may magnify as we move up the trophic levels (See biomagnification).
In essence, what goes around comes back around. Our lives are intertwined and we're not distinct from Nature. Our health, and our children's health, will be at stake if we fail to spare a thought for the world we live in.
(Photo credit: Ng Kai Scene, on HabitatNews' Flickr)
Date: 9 Jun 2012Meeting Time: 8.30am (The session will end around 11.30am.)Meeting place: Pasir Ris Park BBQ Pit No. 64
Date: 9 Jun 2012Meeting Time: 8.30am (The session will end around 11.30am.)Meeting place: Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (See map http://tinyurl.com/TM-site7-map)
