Why Oceans Matter
Oceans have deeply impacted humanity throughout history:
- Migration & Trade: Used as routes to reach new lands and exchange goods.
- Food Source: Provide fish and other seafood.
- Oxygen: Produce over of the world’s oxygen supply.
- Culture: Nourished the myths and legends of coastal civilizations.
Modern Threats
Human activities are putting the marine environment under severe stress:
- Plastic Pollution: Millions of tonnes of plastic waste are thrown into oceans every year.
- Overfishing: Excessive fishing leads to the decline of marine species.
- Chemical Pollution: Waste from factories and ships.
Warning
World Oceans Day: Celebrated on June 8 to remind us of the critical role oceans play and our responsibility to protect them.
The Olympic Connection
The five Olympic rings symbolise the gathering of sportspeople from the five inhabited continents:
- Africa
- America (North and South combined)
- Asia
- Australia
- Europe