Global Ocean
The sea, the cradle of life on Earth
Life has existed in the oceans far longer than on land. This extraordinary gift from the sea is one we still depend on today. The diversity of habitats and life forms found along coasts and in the deep ocean is unparalleled—and still largely unknown. From the sea come the clouds and rain—the water we drink—the oxygen we breathe, the food we eat, the medicines that heal us; energy, well-being and recreation, as well as history and culture.
A healthy ocean safeguards the biological and physicochemical processes that sustain our present and shape our future.
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Teachers / Educators
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Curious by nature
The Global Ocean
The Global Ocean—the interconnected system of all the Earth’s seas and oceans that surrounds and embraces the planet—covers 71% of its surface and contains about 97% of the planet’s living space. It shapes weather and climate, absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide, supplies roughly half the oxygen we breathe, and feeds a significant share of humanity.
Our activities have led to water, air, and soil pollution; waste; habitat degradation; depleted fish stocks; the climate crisis; and ocean acidification. Plastics and microplastics now threaten ocean health in unprecedented ways. The key to tackling these complex problems is building widespread understanding—by everyone—of how vital the Global Ocean is to life on Earth, and how profoundly our actions affect the health of seas and oceans.
We thank Ferdinando Boero and Pippo Cappellano for their video contributions.
The Other Planet
12:59
There is still more to discover on Earth: an unknown, mysterious world—distant yet near, essential yet underestimated: the Ocean, a planet within the planet.
How the World Works
6:52
Knowing which plants and animals are most important to the planet—why they matter and what roles they play—helps us understand just how vital the Blue Planet is to life.
7 Reasons Why the Ocean Matters
4:57
ChatGPT ha detto:The benefits the ocean provides are countless—just as countless as the reasons we must protect it.
Wanderers of the Sea
8:41
It is above all in relatively shallow coastal waters that plankton—on which all marine life depends—finds the conditions it needs to thrive.
The Sounds that Reveal the Ocean
13:02
