Ocean Literacy : The ocean and the Agenda 2030

Summary

The vast oceans, covering over 70% of our planet, are essential to the balance between human needs and all life on Earth. Recognizing this interconnection is termed ocean literacy. Established in 1961, the United Nations' Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission leads ocean science and services. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by all UN member states in 2015, aim to create a sustainable future, with SDG 14 focusing on ocean sustainability. Ocean literacy is crucial for achieving these goals by 2030, emphasizing the need for global cooperation in education and empowerment for current and future generations.

Takeaways

• 🌊 The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance between human needs and those of all life on the planet.
• 🔍 Ocean literacy is the awareness of the ocean's direct influence on every person and the impact each individual has on the ocean.
• 📜 In 1961, the United Nations created the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), a UN body dedicated to ocean science and services.
• 🌍 Over the decades, a series of events have shaped our planet and impacted all life, highlighting the importance of understanding and protecting our oceans.
• 📈 The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by all UN member states in 2015 are interlinked objectives aimed at creating a better and sustainable future for all.
• 🐟 SDG 14 specifically addresses the need for sustainable use of oceans and their resources, emphasizing its connection to the overall sustainability of the planet.
• 🌱 SDG 14 is intricately linked to other goals such as industry innovation, climate action, responsible consumption and production, and the reduction of poverty and hunger.
• 🎯 The target for achieving the SDGs is by the year 2030, making ocean literacy essential in accomplishing these global objectives.
• 📚 Educating and empowering current and future generations about ocean literacy is vital for the success of sustainable development goals.
• 🌐 Everyone can contribute to the global movement by joining the ocean literacy community and sharing resources and knowledge on the ocean literacy portal.

Q & A

What is the significance of the ocean covering over 70% of the planet?

The ocean's vast coverage is crucial as it acts as the lifeline that ensures the balance between the needs of humanity and all living organisms on Earth. It directly influences every individual and is influenced by human actions in return, highlighting the importance of ocean literacy.

What is ocean literacy?

Ocean literacy refers to the awareness and understanding of the ocean's pivotal role in maintaining the habitability and diversity of our planet. It encompasses the recognition of the direct influence the ocean has on people and the impact humans have on the ocean.

When was the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission established and by whom?

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission was established in 1961 by the United Nations. It is the UN body at the forefront of ocean science and services.

How have events over the last decades impacted life on Earth?

Events over the past decades have significantly shaped our planet and affected all life on Earth. These events include various environmental changes and anthropogenic impacts, which have altered the natural balance and posed challenges to sustainability.

What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and when were they adopted?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 interlinked goals adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. They serve as a blueprint to achieve a better and sustainable future for all by addressing key areas such as poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, water, sanitation, energy, environment, and social justice.

What is the role of SDG 14 in ensuring the future of our oceans?

SDG 14, focused on 'Life Below Water,' outlines the fundamental path to ensure the ocean's sustainability for future generations. It calls for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources, and is intricately linked to all other SDGs.

How are the SDGs related to each other?

The SDGs are interlinked, meaning that progress in one goal can contribute to success in others. For example, actions taken for industry innovation and climate action (SDG 9 and 13) can support responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), as well as poverty (SDG 1) and hunger reduction (SDG 2).

What is the target year for achieving the SDGs?

The target year for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is 2030.

Why is ocean literacy important in accomplishing the SDGs?

Ocean literacy is fundamental in accomplishing the SDGs because it fosters an understanding of the ocean's critical role in the Earth's ecosystem and encourages collective action towards sustainable practices that benefit both the ocean and human societies.

How can individuals contribute to the global movement for ocean literacy and SDGs?

Individuals can contribute by educating themselves and others, sharing resources and knowledge, and participating in the ocean literacy community. They can also support initiatives and policies that promote the sustainable use of oceans and marine resources.

What is the ocean literacy portal mentioned in the script, and what is its purpose?

The ocean literacy portal is a platform designed to facilitate the sharing of resources and knowledge related to ocean literacy. Its purpose is to support the global movement towards achieving the SDGs by empowering current and future generations with the information and tools needed to make informed decisions about ocean conservation and sustainable use.