More than 2,000 scientists and advocates from at least 100 countries participated in the One Ocean Science Congress, dedicated to the increasing marine crisis.
“The ocean is suffering at the cause of humanity,” said the Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, who spoke at the opening ceremony on Tuesday.
She added, “Either we save our oceans or the entire race will pay.”
Rising sea temperatures due to global warming, ocean acidification, plastic pollution, and offshore oil and gas developments are some of the threats plaguing the ocean.
“Sound research shows global human health is intrinsically linked to a healthy ocean,” said Peter Thomson, the United Nations secretary-general’s special envoy for the ocean.
The ocean greatly contributes to producing more than half of the oxygen humans breathe, in addition to balancing Earth temperatures by absorbing excess heat and carbon dioxide.
3 billion people depend on the ocean for their daily activities, according to the United Nations. But, at the congress’s opening ceremony, Thomson said, “the ocean’s health is currently, measurably in decline.”
Now is the time to chart a new future for the ocean, he said.
“Faith has been placed upon this congress to serve as the scientific pillar of the U.N. Ocean Conference,” said Thomson.
He added: “We’re expecting that the scientifically compiled conclusions of this congress will inform the leaders and the representatives of governments and civil society who will be attending the conference.”
By the end of the oceans summit, U.N. member states intend to adopt a voluntary political declaration that will promote the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources called “Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action.”
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