Friday | 17 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
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Friday | 17 January 2025 | Epaper

Preserving our blue lifeline for a sustainable future

Published : Monday, 3 July, 2023 at 12:00 AM  Count : 886
Nur Ahmed
Planet Earth, often referred to as the "Blue Planet," is a magnificent orb covered by vast oceans that play a vital role in sustaining life. The oceans hold unimaginable wonders, support diverse ecosystems, and regulate the planet's climate. However, the delicate balance of our oceans is being disrupted by various factors, leading to profound changes in the oceanic environments. It is high time we explored the current state of our oceans, the factors driving these changes, and the implications for the future of our planet. Therefore, consolidated global actions are necessary to highlight the changes in oceanic environments and the urgent actions required to save the planet's blue lifeline.

Our oceans cover approximately 71% of the Earth's surface, representing an immense reservoir of life and natural resources. They regulate temperature, absorb carbon dioxide, generate oxygen, and serve as a habitat for countless species. However, despite their vastness, the oceans are facing unprecedented challenges today. One significant concern is the rising sea levels. As global temperature increases due to climate change, polar ice caps and glaciers melt, causing seawater to expand and oceans to rise. This phenomenon poses a threat to coastal communities, exacerbating the risk of floods, erosion, and the loss of valuable land. Additionally, the acidification of the oceans is a growing issue. As the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere rises, the oceans absorb a significant portion of it. This process increases seawater's acidity, posing a grave threat to marine life, including coral reefs, shellfish, and other organisms that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons.

Several factors contribute to the changing environments of our oceans. The primary driver is human-induced climate change resulting from the excessive emission of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide. The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial activities have released unprecedented levels of CO2 into the atmosphere, leading to a warming planet and subsequent oceanic impacts. Another critical factor is overfishing and destructive fishing practices. Unsustainable fishing practices, such as bottom trawling and by catch, disrupt marine ecosystems, decimate fish populations, and disturb the delicate balance of marine life. Additionally, the pollution from agricultural runoff, oil spills, plastic waste, and industrial effluents further degrades the health of our oceans.

The changing ecosystems of our oceans have far-reaching consequences for the planet and its inhabitants. One of the most pressing concerns is the loss of biodiversity. Coral reefs, often referred to as the rainforests of the sea, suffer from bleaching events due to rising water temperatures and ocean acidification. The loss of these vibrant ecosystems threatens marine life and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on them for food and income. The changing marine ecosystems also affect weather patterns and climate regulation. Oceans act as heat sinks, absorbing significant heat from the atmosphere. However, with rising temperatures, the ocean's ability to regulate climate is compromised, leading to more frequent and severe weather events such as hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons.

Furthermore, the impact on coastal communities cannot be overlooked. Rising sea levels significantly threaten low-lying areas, displacing millions of people and increasing the risk of climate refugees. In addition to the loss of land, these communities also face challenges such as saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, contamination of coastal ecosystems, and a loss of livelihoods that depend on tourism and fisheries. In this regard, Bangladesh stands in a position for irrecoverable potential loss due to its disaster-prone geographical position.

Climate change can rightly be labelled as the most disruptive force in the maritime domain of Bangladesh. Maritime issues are relatively new in the context of Bangladesh, and the country needs more activities to safeguard its coastal communities against the disruptive forces of climate change. Because the impacts of climatic changes will bring about unpredictable changes in every aspect of the lives of coastal communities, the pattern of human migration, resource allocation, human health, livelihood choices, etc., will be severely affected if we are not prepared to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Addressing the challenges facing our oceans requires collective action at all levels. Governments, international organizations, and individuals must take steps to mitigate the factors driving change and promote ocean conservation. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable land-use practices can significantly curb climate change and reduce its impact on the oceans. Implementing regulations and promoting sustainable fishing methods can help restore fish populations and protect marine ecosystems.

This includes creating marine protected areas and implementing effective fisheries management plans. Implementing stricter regulations on industrial waste disposal, reducing plastic waste, and improving wastewater treatment systems can significantly reduce ocean pollution. Moreover, protecting and restoring critical marine habitats, such as coral reefs and mangroves, can help rebuild biodiversity and enhance the resilience of ecosystems in the face of climate change. Finally, promoting ocean literacy and raising awareness about the importance of our oceans can inspire individuals to make sustainable choices in their daily lives and support conservation efforts. This write-up is a tiny contribution in that direction.

The changing environmental nature of our oceans demands urgent attention and action. The impacts of climate change, pollution, and overexploitation of marine resources pose significant threats to the health and sustainability of our oceans. By addressing these challenges and adopting sustainable practices, we can restore the delicate balance of our planet's oceans, protect marine life, and secure a better destiny for future generations. It is time for us to recognize that the oceanic environments are changing, and it is within our power to shape a more sustainable and thriving planet ocean.
The writer is a Research Officer, Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development (BIMRAD)



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