World Oceans Day: The fight to save our seas and combat climate change

On World Oceans Day, today, Warawut Sillapa-archa, Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, encouraged Thais to help conserve the oceans by not littering in water. He also stressed the importance of oceans absorbing 30% of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, acting as a natural carbon sink. However, increased human activities have led to higher levels of carbon dioxide and ocean acidification, posing a threat to fragile ecosystems such as coral reefs in warm waters.

In a Facebook post commemorating World Oceans Day, Warawut emphasised the crucial role oceans play in the world’s climate and wildlife. He highlighted the fact that oceans absorb about 30% of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, forming part of the carbon cycle and acting as a natural carbon sink. However, he noted that increasing human-driven carbon dioxide concentrations have resulted in more absorption by the oceans, leading to increased acidity which poses a threat to sensitive ecosystems like coral reefs found in warm waters.

Warawut shared a simple but powerful message: care for the oceans should start with not littering in water bodies and along the coastline, and engaging in responsible practices while visiting the beach or participating in marine activities. This includes not touching marine animals or coral reefs during scuba diving, avoiding single-use plastics, and reducing carbon emissions.

Following these small but significant steps, Warawut believes, can help protect and preserve these precious resources for future generations in a sustainable manner.

In Thailand, human activities have threatened ocean wildlife.

Last week, an injured olive ridley sea turtle was recently found at Thai Mueang Beach in Phang Nga province. The young turtle had lost one of its flippers, likely due to entanglement in fishing nets, according to wildlife experts. The turtle is missing its right front flipper, with a bone protruding from inflamed flesh. Read the story HERE.