Each year, organizations across the globe collaborate to celebrate World Oceans Day on June 8. Originally recognized by Canada’s International Centre for Ocean Development (ICOD) and the Ocean Institute of Canada (OIC) in 1992, this observance now stands as an opportunity to celebrate the ocean as a precious resource and recognize the magnitude of its depth and strength. Historically, World Oceans Day has leveraged themes including “Our Oceans, Our Future,” “Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean,” and “Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet.” This year, the United Nations has chosen “Planet Ocean: Tides Are Changing” as the focus.
Here’s a snippet from their site highlighting this year’s theme:
“The ocean covers the majority of the earth, but only a small portion of its waters has been explored. Despite humanity’s utter reliance on it, and compared to the breadth and depth of what it gives us, the ocean receives only a fragment of our attention and resources in return.
But tides are changing.
To celebrate the United Nations World Oceans Day 2023 theme, Planet Ocean, the United Nations is joining forces with decision makers, scientists, private sector executives, civil society representatives, indigenous communities, celebrities and youth activists and more to put the ocean first.” (Source: unworldoceansday.org)
As we appreciate the many wonders of the seas, we must also recognize the significant threats posed by tsunamis, earthquakes, and other natural disasters that can be attributed to the ocean’s power, oceanic fault lines, and rising sea levels. In doing so, we can achieve a better balance of celebration and preparation for those who need it most.
Celebrating Our Oceans
Our oceans are truly magnificent, covering more than 70% of our planet’s surface, and providing a home to millions of different species of life. From the colorful coral reefs to the majestic whales, the oceans are home to some of the most remarkable wonders of our world.
Additionally, our oceans are vital to our survival, providing us with food, oxygen, and weather patterns that help regulate our planet’s climate. In fact, according to this article from the United Nations, “Our ocean mitigates non-renewable industry pollution by absorbing 25% of all carbon emission while generating 50% of the oxygen we need to survive.”
It’s easy to appreciate the magnitude and beauty nestled below the surface of our planet’s oceans, but truly grasping the depth and strength of these immense bodies of water often proves difficult.
Acknowledging the Ocean’s Threats
As many coastal cities and communities have recognized, the oceans are also a source of great danger. Natural disasters like tsunamis, earthquakes, and hurricanes can have devastating impacts on coastal communities. Why? Oceanic fault lines and tectonic plates can shift, causing earthquakes below the surface to trigger powerful and destructive tsunamis reaching thousands of miles inland, wiping out everything in their path. Rising sea levels contribute to flash floods and eroding shorelines. These devastating events are examples of the strength hidden within the depths of the ocean.
The impact of such natural disasters on human life and infrastructure can be immense, and the importance of preparedness cannot be overstated. It is crucial for communities and nations, especially those with high-risk coastal cities, to have air-tight disaster preparedness and response plans in place.
At Prometheus, we believe that education and awareness are also vital tools in mitigating the impact of natural disasters. People who live in coastal communities and cities must be well-informed about the risks posed by the ocean relative to their location, and the steps they can take to minimize the threats posed or damage caused by natural disasters. This includes understanding the warning signs of tsunamis, floods, or tropical storms, and knowing what to do when they receive a warning. Through comprehensive preparedness plans, including detailed communications planning, nations can prioritize clear and efficient communication with citizens in at-risk areas as soon as it’s clear that disaster is coming.
By leveraging a thorough assessment of a community – including location, risks, threats, infrastructure, access to supplies, and more – we can create stronger, more prepared citizens and nations across the globe. By prioritizing preparedness, we can simultaneously focus more on the beauty that the ocean holds, and less on the disaster that it may cause.
Join Us In Celebrating World Oceans Day 2023
As we celebrate World Oceans Day this June, we excitedly acknowledge the beauty and importance of our oceans. At the same time, we recognize the risks and threats they pose. We must take the necessary steps to prepare ourselves for the possibility of natural disasters, especially in coastal communities and cities. Only through education, awareness, and preparedness can we minimize the impact of these natural disasters and ensure the safety and well-being of ourselves and our communities.
Interested in celebrating World Oceans Day with us? Visit the official WOD site to explore resources, browse virtual and in-person events, or download the marketing media kit to help spread the word.
