“We suffocate slowly”: the ocean has lost 2 % of its oxygen since 1960, more than 500 dead zones identified by UNESCO in a global ecological drama

The oceans, lung of our planet, are in danger. Moreover, A recent report of the United Nations highlights a disturbing decrease in oxygen levels, threatening marine biodiversity. However, Hundreds of “dead zones” have been identified, where marine life is struggling to remain. Therefore, This phenomenon is largely attributed to human activities, between pollution, global warming and other environmental plagues. In addition, The urgency is palpable, and the international “we suffocate slowly”: ocean lost community must mobilize to reverse this trend and preserve these vital ecosystems.

The origins of oxygen in the oceans – "we suffocate slowly": ocean lost

Oxygen is a vital element for the survival of aerobic organisms. Consequently, whether terrestrial or sea. Furthermore, Billions of years ago. In addition, the land was populated by anaerobic organisms, up to the major oxidation event which allowed the evolution of the species breathing in oxygen. Today, UNESCO alerts on the 2 % loss of this oxygen in the oceans since the 1960s. This deoxygenation is a major alarm signal. partly caused by warming of oceans, elevation of sea level and reduction of biodiversity.

The consequences are dramatic: around 500 dead zones have been identified along the world coast. These regions, deprived of oxygen, can no longer support marine life, directly threatening ecosystems and species that depend on it. The UNESCO’s report highlights the importance of acting quickly to alleviate these “we suffocate slowly”: ocean lost effects and restore the health of the oceans.

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The causes of the drop in oxygen levels – "we suffocate slowly": ocean lost

Ocean deoxygenation is mainly. due to human activities. Global warming, caused by greenhouse gas emissions, is one of the main managers. In addition. pollutants such as agricultural runoff and wastewater contribute to this drop by increasing the nutrient load of coastal waters, thus promoting harmful algal proliferations.

These proliferations consume available oxygen, creating asphyxiating conditions for many sea species. The repercussions on marine fauna are devastating, ranging from the modification of “we suffocate slowly”: ocean lost behavior to increased mortality. A recent example is the death of thousands of fish along the Coast of the Gulf of Texas in 2023. an event directly linked to deoxygenation.

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If nothing is done. loss of oxygen could reach even more “we suffocate slowly”: ocean lost critical levels, exacerbating tensions on marine ecosystems and biodiversity. The urgency of the situation requires a collective and concerted response.

The role of organic pollutants

In addition to climatic factors, organic pollutants exacerbate the phenomenon of deoxygenation. Water contaminated by organic substances promote intense microbial activity, releasing ammonia and other mineral nutrients. These processes increase oxygen consumption, impoverishing the areas concerned and threatening aquatic flora and fauna.

The combination of these natural and anthropogenic factors accelerates the loss of oxygen. Industrial and agricultural activities, by polluting rivers, aggravate the situation. Scientists highlight the importance of reducing these pollution to slow down deoxygenation. Stricter environmental policies and sustainable agricultural practices are essential to protect the oceans.

Future prospects and possible actions

Faced with this challenge, the international community must intensify its efforts to protect the oceans. The Paris climate agreement, signed in 2015, offers a framework for the actions to be “we suffocate slowly”: ocean lost taken. The restoration of marine forests and the protection of biodiversity tanks are crucial measures to preserve oxygen levels.

Local initiatives, supported by global policies, can help to reverse this trend. Awareness of the public and decision -makers is also essential to arouse a significant change. We must consider innovative and collaborative solutions to restore the health of the oceans.

Ultimately. the question remains: what concrete measures will we take to save our oceans and guarantee a lasting future to our planet?

This article is based on verified sources and the assistance of editorial technologies.

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