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Climate Action

World Oceans Day: protecting oceans around the globe

Oceans cover more than 70 per cent of the Earth's surface - they have a significant effect on our climate and play a crucial role in maintaining the many ecosystem services such as fisheries.

  • 08 June 2009
  • Simione Talanoa

Oceans cover more than 70 per cent of the Earth's surface - they have a significant effect on our climate and play a crucial role in maintaining the many ecosystem services such as fisheries.

UNEP is working to protect oceans all around the planet; for World Oceans Day, here is an overview of some of the UNEP programmes around the world.

Oceans are the source of most rainfall and they regulate the earth's temperatures and wind patterns.

Though generally recognized as several 'separate' oceans, these waters comprise one global interconnected body of salt water often referred to as the World Ocean or global ocean.

Healthy and functioning oceans provide essential services to human communities that support economic well-being and human health to include providing food, shoreline protection, a source of non living resources for energy and trade, recreation, culture and a critical role in regulating the earth's climate.

Unfortunately, human activities are putting oceans under increasing pressure. Resulting changes in the marine environment are occurring at a faster pace than anticipated, affecting especially the most vulnerable marine ecosystems such as coral reefs.

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Source: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)