Oceans and coasts are foundations of our well-being and economic prosperity. Oceans produce half of the oxygen we breathe and absorb 30% of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activity. Marine and coastal ecosystems regulate water quality, attract tourism, protect cities and communities from storms and flooding, and support the livelihoods of millions of people globally. Nearly 3 billion people obtain almost 20% of their animal protein from fish. Increasingly we look to oceans and coasts for new sources of raw materials, medicines, biotechnology, and renewable energy.
Many of the benefits and opportunities provided by oceans and coasts are being missed or lost. Marine and coastal ecosystems and the valuable goods and services they provide are being rapidly degraded as a result of pollution, overfishing, climate change, and habitat destruction.
On World Oceans Day, please join us in London to hear and discuss how governments, communities and the private sector can respond to these challenges, and how you can help.
- When: 8th June 2015 @ 6:30PM
- Where: Ondaatje Theatre, Royal Geographical Society, London SW7 2AR
- Agenda: Short expert presentations, High-level panel discussion and Q&A Reception.
- Details: This event is free of charge. Seating is limited to 500 guests. To reserve a seat and help us plan catering: worldoceansdaylondon.eventbrite.co.uk
- Media contact: b.milligan (at) ucl.ac.uk