Global Goal 14: Life below water

The world’s oceans – their temperature, chemistry, currents and life – drive global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. Our rainwater, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, much of our food, and even the oxygen in the air we breathe, are all ultimately provided and regulated by the sea. Throughout history, oceans and seas have been vital conduits for trade and transportation. Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future.

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In short

Global Goal

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Using seas and the oceans sustainably

Oceans and their temperature, currents and undersea life drive global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. They cover 75 per cent of the world’s surface.

Global resource

Throughout history, oceans and seas have been vital conduits for trade and transportation. Rivers, canals, streams, ponds and other water sources are an integral part of the total ecosystem. Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future.

 

In short:

  • oceans and seas drive global ecosystems;
  • these oceans and seas are vital conduits for trade and transportation;
  • rivers, canals, streams, ponds and other water sources are an integral part of the ecosystem;
  • careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future;