5 days ago
It is high time we turn the tide for our oceans and seas
Every year in June, the world unites to celebrate various international days dedicated to protecting our ecosystems. These observances serve as a reminder of our responsibility to safeguard the environment and to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change.
Unfortunately, both the living and non-living components of our ecosystems — ranging from flora and fauna to air, water and soil — are under threat from human activities such as deforestation, pollution and climate change. These activities disrupt natural processes and diminish biodiversity.
World Ocean Day, observed annually on June 8, is a global event dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about the ocean's vital role in our lives and the health of our planet. Although this year's theme does not explicitly focus on sea levels, it implicitly acknowledges the impacts of rising sea levels.
We recognise that oceans and seas are vital resources, essential for life on Earth and economic prosperity. They provide oxygen, regulate the climate and support diverse ecosystems. Millions of people rely on marine resources for their livelihoods, including fishing, tourism and shipping.
However, this invaluable natural capital is under threat from human-induced factors such as overfishing, plastic pollution and the destruction of marine habitats. Many coastal communities around the world are already facing the threats of rising sea levels and coastal flooding, where climate impacts can inundate neighbourhoods, endanger lives and cause significant economic disruption.
The Arabian Gulf is one of the most severely impacted marine environments in the world, primarily due to a combination of pollution factors, including climate change, oil and gas activities, and human disturbances along the coast.
According to a study published in the Pollution Studies Journal, small-scale marine oil spills of unknown origin pose an increasing threat to Oman's coastal ecosystems, fisheries and economy.
Oman, situated along the heavily trafficked Strait of Hormuz, is particularly susceptible to oil pollution. The strait sees daily shipments of oil tankers, which pose significant environmental risks, particularly to Oman's northern coastlines.
The study conducted by Oman's Environment Authority highlights that oil pollution from unidentified sources is one of the most significant environmental threats to marine life. While large-scale oil spills have garnered considerable attention, the effects of smaller, unreported spills continue to pose a significant risk to the nation's marine ecosystems.
Another study published in the journal of Communications Earth and Environment indicates that by 2050, the total global urban population at risk from sea level rise could surpass 800 million people residing in 570 cities.
'Sea level rise will become unmanageable at just 1.5°C of global warming and will lead to catastrophic inland migration,' warn the researchers of the study 'The Future We Don't Want".
Estimates suggest that the global economic costs to cities from rising sea levels and inland flooding could reach $1 trillion by mid-century. 'As with other climate-related hazards, local factors will cause cities to experience sea level rise at varying rates,' the study points out.
Reducing emissions in accordance with the Paris Agreement would help prevent the most severe climate scenarios from occurring. However, even with limited global warming, sea level rise and coastal flooding are likely to intensify.
Unfortunately, when formulating policies and climate action plans, as well as defining investments, decision-makers often overlook the vital role the ocean plays and the solutions it offers.
We must always remember that our economic aspirations are built upon the foundations of a healthy ecological system and the protection of the natural assets that provide significant economic value.
Beyond mere economic considerations, nature possesses profound intrinsic values that affect multiple generations and are essential for our physical and mental well-being, as well as the health of the planet itself.
