Regenerate Our Oceans: The Key to Stopping Global Warming and Building a Better Future

by Emilia Jankowska, RegenIntel Cosmos Star and Foundations Course Instructor; Director of Ecology at Hourglass Climate

As we approach World Oceans Day on June 8th, it's a perfect time to recognize the incredible importance of our oceans and celebrate their vital role in sustaining life on Earth. Covering most of our planet, the ocean plays a crucial part in regulating our climate and providing well-being for countless ecosystems and communities. Yet, this magnificent ally is under severe threat from human activities. Now more than ever, we need to take action to protect and regenerate our oceans.

The ocean, covering most of our planet, plays a crucial role in regulating our climate. This vast body of water has absorbed about 90% of the excess heat generated by human activities. It also takes in significant amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere, with tiny plant organisms called phytoplankton producing around 50% of the oxygen we breathe.

The ocean is not only vital for our climate but also for our economy. About 80% of global goods are transported by cargo ships across the oceans. It's essential for our food security too, as seafood provides 17% of the protein consumed globally, with some nations relying on it for over 50%. Beyond its economic importance, the ocean is a place for leisure and a vital part of our lives. It has been our greatest ally in mitigating global warming but is now bearing the cost. Increased CO2 levels have made seawater more acidic, harming marine life. Ocean heat waves, manifesting as warm currents, can devastate coral reefs and kelp forests.

Why Ocean Regeneration Matters

To continue benefiting from the ocean's help in fighting climate change, we need to focus on ocean regeneration. Effective management of marine resources and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is crucial. Establishing more protected zones is not enough; these protections need to be effective and inclusive of local communities’ knowledge and practices. For instance, rather than merely banning mangrove cutting for aquaculture, governments should collaborate with local communities to integrate ecosystem protection with regenerative aquaculture.

Cascading Benefits of Regenerative Solutions

Regenerative solutions offer cascading benefits to both nature and humans. Governments should prioritize these practices globally and halt subsidies to industrial fisheries that generate emissions and degrade ecosystems through methods like bottom trawling. Other examples of regenerative practices include seaweed farming and multispecies farming. Small-scale seaweed farms or seaweed-mussel integrated farms not only absorb CO2 but also provide healthy food sources and industrial feedstock. Advances in technology can help scale these farms beyond coastal areas, going offshore. Seaweed biomass has potential uses beyond food, such as in packaging, fuel, and construction materials. For example, Sargassum biomass, which causes problems when it washes ashore in the Caribbean, can be treated to create regenerative building materials.

Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) is another promising solution for CO2 removal, speeding up the natural process of mineral dissolution to sequester more carbon on a long-term scale. Coastal Enhanced Weathering, a form of OAE, involves grounding ultramafic minerals like olivine into sand and placing it on the coast, which can also help mitigate coastal erosion.

Take Action Now

Regenerative ocean practices require government action to establish effective regulations and enforcement to protect and restore ecosystems. Governments also need to foster a supportive environment for R&D of new ocean solutions. However, everyone has a role in building a regenerative future. Companies can offer giving programs, support NGOs working on protection, and invest in startups developing new solutions. Event organizers can explore dishes made from seaweed or local fish and use algae-based water cups instead of single-use plastic. Consumers can help by diversifying their seafood choices and supporting sustainable fishing practices e.g. buying a variety of seafood takes pressure from overexploited cod and salmon.

If you're looking to actively restore the ocean, consider fundraising for ocean restoration programs and sharing your efforts on social media. You can also adopt a coral reef, supporting NGOs in protecting natural ecosystems. Solving global problems requires global solutions, and collective ocean regeneration practices are a crucial step toward a regenerative future.

Join the Movement

Our ocean needs our help now more than ever. By taking action today, we can ensure a healthier, more resilient ocean for future generations. Let’s commit to regenerative practices, support sustainable initiatives, and spread the word. Together, we can turn the tide on climate change and create a thriving planet for all.

?? Act Now! Support ocean regeneration and be part of the solution. Share your commitment and inspire others to join the cause. ????

Emilia Jankowska, RegenIntel Cosmos Star and Foundations Course Instructor; Director of Ecology at Hourglass Climate

Follow Emilia at https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/emiliajankowska/

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