Q.7. What is the use of oceans for humans?

Oceans cover over 70% of the Earth’s surface and are fundamental to human survival, economic prosperity, and planetary health. They are not merely large bodies of water but active, integrated systems vital for all life.

The primary uses of oceans for humans include:

• Life Support System: Oceans are the ‘lungs of the planet’, with phytoplankton producing over 50% of the world’s oxygen. They also regulate the global climate by absorbing over 90% of excess heat and 25% of CO2 emissions.
• Economic Engine: Oceans are the backbone of the global economy. They facilitate over 80% of international trade via shipping routes and are crucial for the “Blue Economy.”
• Food and Livelihoods: Oceans provide essential food security and protein for over 3 billion people through fisheries and aquaculture. They support hundreds of millions of jobs worldwide in fishing, tourism, shipping, and energy.
• Resource Repository: They are a vast source of energy (tidal, wave, offshore wind) and critical resources, including oil, natural gas, and deep-sea minerals.
• Biodiversity & Health: Oceans host 80% of the planet’s biodiversity, which is a key source for scientific discovery and the development of new medicines.

In conclusion, oceans are an indispensable resource for humanity’s sustenance and development. Their immense contribution necessitates a global commitment to sustainable management and conservation to protect these vital ecosystems for future generations.