Life below water is a very crucial goal as it is number 14 on the list of Sustainable Development Goals.
And because over 3 billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their survival it is also a priority. So how we treat water and life below water is important.
CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF WATER POLLUTION
Marine pollution comes from mostly land-based sources and is reaching alarming levels, with an average of 13,000 pieces of plastic litter on every kilometre square of ocean.
Oceans absorb about 30% of carbon dioxide produced by humans causing a rise in the acidification of the ocean.
Whales and other marine animals ingest these plastics and other pollutants and die.
Marine pollution, global warming, and plastics in water bodies are not new. Oil spillage into large bodies of water has also dealt blows to marine life.
GOALS OF LIFE BELOW WATER
We have to enhance the conservation and preservation of marine life.
- Prevent and reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, by 2025
- Manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems, and take action for their restoration so as to achieve healthy and productive oceans by 2020
- Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
- By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unregulated fishing, and destructive fishing practices
- Conserve at least 10 percent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law by 2020 among others
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Some possible and practical solutions to preserving and conserving life below water include:
- Prevention of plastics from entering water bodies as they not only pollute the waters but are ingested by aquatic animals and cause death.
- Proper recycling and disposal of used items. Such items should be kept from making their way to rivers and oceans.
- Reducing the use of chemicals especially for agricultural purposes. This will curb excess chemicals from leaching into water bodies causing algae growth and affecting life below water
- Minimize water wastage by turning taps off like when bathing, washing, and brushing. Waters used for washing and rinsing can be reused for other purposes like flushing. In contrast, irresponsible water usage can lead to droughts.
- Proper disposal of hazardous materials like medical and pharmaceutical wastes correctly
- Encourage participation in environmental sanitation and educate children on how to trash litters
- Protecting wetlands and Greenlands as they protect the ecosystem and absorb carbon-dioxide from the environment. They also act as filters to absorb excess nutrients and chemicals
EXAMPLES
We may not all become sea divers like 4Ocean to fish trash from the ocean or become Boyan Slat who is creating an Ocean Cleanup Array. But we can reduce overfishing and stop trash from entering water-bodies.
CONCLUSION
It is possible to preserve to life below water by our actions on land and our activities in the water. Climate action and Life on land are also crucial goals that affect the success of life below water.
Find detailed facts and figures on the UNDP site.
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