‘The ocean and us’ - BBC Earth, United Nations Ocean Conference

Our ocean defines our planet.

It sustains us,

and it is home to more than
half of all life on earth today.

The presence of the ocean
touches every living thing.

No matter where it lives.

The air we breathe, and
the water we consume,

are ultimately linked to the seas.

The ocean drives our weather

and stabilizes our climate.

Nowhere is more powerful and unforgiving.

Yet more beautiful and endlessly fascinating.

Yet for too long, we have taken
the ocean for granted.

Our actions have pushed species

to the brink.

And had an impact on every ocean habitat.

No matter how remote

or how deep.

We haven’t understood what
the ocean does for us.

The effects of climate change have been
softened by the ocean.

But now we are facing the consequences:

the seas are warming, rising,

and becoming more acidic.

It’s a sobering thought, that coral reefs
may be lost within the next century.

We all need a healthy ocean,

so we must change our ways.

Together, with the right management,

we can re-populate the seas.

We can reduce marine pollution,

and minimize the impact of ocean acidification.

The ocean’s power of regeneration is
remarkable if we just offer it the chance.

It’s not too late.

We are in reach of a whole
new relationship with the ocean.

A wiser, more sustainable relationship.

The choice lies with us.