World Ocean Day 7 June 2024 – Awaken New Depths

Friday 7 June marks World Ocean Day 2024. The annual event unites people around the world in celebrating the blue planet and calling for collective action for a healthy ocean and a stable climate. It forms part of a global movement to raise awareness about our dependency on the ocean’s rich resources and the need to protect its ecosystems for future generations. The day presents an ideal opportunity for businesses to engage with the sustainability agenda and make commitments to balance the needs of people, profit and planet.

In 2008, the United Nations (UN) decided that 8th June would be designated as World Ocean Day. This year’s events will instead be held on Friday 7th June when people will mark the occasion by calling on stakeholders across the globe to help protect our marine environments. The movement has played a key part in persuading global leaders to sign the High Seas Treaty and commit to protecting 30% of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030. Yet the blue planet still faces significant threats, and it is critical that marine conservation remains a top priority. This year’s theme of Awaken New Depths recognises that our efforts so far have only skimmed the surface

The ocean covers the majority of the planet and we are highly dependent on its rich resources.  It generates 50% of the oxygen we need, absorbs around 30% of carbon dioxide emissions produced by humans and is the largest carbon sink – providing a critical buffer against the impacts of climate change. It is home to around one million species and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people.

Despite those dependencies, humanity continues to pillage the ocean, harming its ecosystems and depleting its resources. As described in UN Sustainable Development (UNSDG) Goal 14: Life Below Water, we urgently need to protect the ocean against threats such as increasing temperatures, acidification, overfishing and pollution.

Around two thirds of the marine environment has been altered through human action. We must place greater value on ocean health if we are to protect biodiversity, tackling climate change and secure sustainable development. 

Businesses have a responsibility to treat the ocean as a stakeholder, understand that its resources are finite and embrace sustainable practices that support its long term health. 

Five Top Tips for Business:

• Plastics

Microplastics are the scourge of the ocean. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the world’s oceans every year, destroying habitats, harming marine species, and transmitting diseases. Conduct a plastic audit and draw up a strategy to reduce consumption. 

• Measure your carbon footprint and reduce emissions

A heating planet has devastating consequences for the ocean and its species. Measure your baseline emissions and develop a robust carbon reduction strategy to minimise your carbon footprint. This might involve embracing renewable energy and using more energy efficient equipment. That should form part of a holistic sustainability strategy that serves the triple bottom line.

• Support good causes

Organise a litter pick or beach or river clean up. Also support charities and organisations that help protect marine life and promote biodiversity. You could make one off donation or form a longer term partnership which sees staff participating in conservation projects.

• Think circular

Explore responsible resource management. Use fewer plastic products and embrace the circular economy so that you reduce the amount of waste polluting the ocean by keeping resources in the value chain. 

• Spread the word

Advocate for a healthy ocean and stable climate. Be it through your website, social media channels or company newsletter, talk to people about what you are doing. Effective stakeholder engagement will help raise awareness and encourage others to follow suit.

Download resources on World Ocean Day here: Resources Archive – World Ocean Day

For business, World Ocean Day offers an opportunity to engage with the environmental agenda and demonstrate commitment to the cause. By putting sustainability at the heart of business strategy, companies not only help reduce their negative impact but improve efficiencies and open new revenue streams.

At Wylde Connections, we help companies large and small transform their operations by developing robust sustainability strategies. Waste reduction and responsible resource management sits at the heart of that process and as a trusted partner we are always on hand to help deliver positive interventions to meet your goals as an ethical and responsible business. To find out more please visit: www.wyldeconnections.co.uk or Book a discovery call today with a member of our team.  

For more information on World Ocean Day visit: www.WorldOceanDay.org