Philippe Cousteau (m): No
matter where we live, on the coast uh, or inland, uh, the oceans are
important to all of us every day.
HOST: Observed from space, our
Earth is seen as predominantly blue, due to the immense oceans which
cover 71% of our planet’s surface. Although 97% of Earth’s water is in
the oceans, an incredible 95% of this vast marine world has yet to be
explored. The importance of the oceans is highlighted by the United
Nations declaring June 8th of each year as World Oceans Day.
Supreme
Master Ching Hai explained the importance of our oceans and the need to
conserve this vital life supporting system during a May 2009
videoconference in Togo.
Supreme Master
Ching Hai: Balanced marine ecosystems are extremely important,
as more than two-thirds of the planet is covered by oceans. They provide
half of the world’s oxygen and play a major part in regulating the
global climate.
So, life on Earth truly depends very much on the
ocean for survival. In addition, oceans also absorb atmospheric CO2 –
carbon dioxide – which directly helps to cool our planet.
These
are just a few among the great things that the oceans do. To disturb the
balance of the seas, thus, ultimately places our own lives in danger.
So, we could say that it is in our interest to care for the oceans if we
want to survive, and all the life that they contain, including fish.
HOST:
From the majestic blue whales to the playful dolphins, giant seaweed to
colorful coral reefs, the oceans are home to nearly half of all known
living species on Earth. They play an integral role in our biosphere by
regulating the climate and weather.
Dr Ward (m): There's a lot of current systems in the
ocean. What the oceans are trying to do is simply equilibrate heat.
Leandra Gonçalves (f): When healthy,
when well preserved, protected; the oceans are responsible for absorbing
up to 70% of all carbon dioxide gas present in the planet’s atmosphere.
Normally,
society looks at the seas and sees that beauty, very beautiful,
everything very blue and it really seems as if everything is very clean
and healthy. But the truth is very different.
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