Diving into the blue economy

Abstract

We live on a blue planet, where 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered with water. Our oceans and seas provide us with our basic needs—food, oxygen, and livelihoods—and serve as habitats for billions of plants and animals. They also absorb carbon dioxide, recycle nutrients, and regulate global climate and temperature. Our oceans have long been the center of economic activity. In terms of global trade, the shipping industry transports about 80–90 percent of it. Global tourism takes place mostly in coastal areas, with beaches and coral reefs among the most popular destinations. Offshore oil production offers renewable and low pollution alternatives for our energy needs. Likewise, maritime wind power and tidal energy are promising. However, human activities have been taking a huge toll on our marine environment. Carbon dioxide emissions, along with chemical pollution and domestic wastes, have been a driver of damage to ocean ecosystems. Meanwhile, climate change has put more lives, wealth, and infrastructure in harm’s way due to rising sea levels and increasing frequency and intensity of storms.