Initially proposed in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro at the 1992 Earth Summit, World Oceans Day was established as an official United Nations observance in 2008. Since then, June 8 has served as a global call to recognize the critical role oceans play in sustaining life and the urgent need to protect them. Since then, individuals, communities, and classrooms around the world have celebrated the day by learning more about the beautiful role the oceans play in our lives. But most importantly, they have marked the occasion by taking action to ensure these, our largest bodies of water, are healthy for years to come. For educators, this is the perfect opportunity to help students see the ocean's story as it truly is; intertwined with their own. By connecting young minds to the vast systems of the oceans, we can inspire curiosity, stewardship, and a more profound sense of global responsibility. So, what is the ocean's role in our lives? 

The Importance of the Oceans

You may not live anywhere near the coast. In fact, you may not have had the pleasure of seeing the ocean with your own eyes. Yet, it touches every aspect of your life. You see, the world's oceans are much more than vast bodies of water full of alienesque creatures and salty water; they are intricate systems that connect every continent and climate on the planet. Whether you step out to get some fresh air, run inside to put on a sweater on an unexpectedly chilly day, or enjoy a meal at your favorite restaurant, the ocean's influence is forever persistent.  This direct connection exists because the ocean plays a vital role in everything from regulating weather patterns and absorbing greenhouse gases to providing sanctuary for abundant aquatic life. As a result, any change in the oceans will directly impact the weather, food availability, and numerous other aspects of our daily lives. 

Oceans and Air Quality

The Earth's delicate environmental balance relies significantly on the oceans. Taking up a whopping 70% of our blue planet's surface, they are critical to providing the oxygen we need to breathe. In fact, without the photosynthesis of oceanic plankton and drifting plants and algae, an estimated 50% of the world's oxygen would be lost. On the other hand, our oceans act as a carbon sink, absorbing a third of all carbon dioxide emissions. 

Oceans and Climate

By now, you've likely heard that the world's glaciers are melting. And while you may have never stood near one in person, glaciers play a vital role in keeping the Earth's climate stable. These massive ice formations reflect sunlight back into space, helping to cool the planet. As they melt, not only do sea levels rise, but the balance of cold freshwater entering the oceans also shifts. This phenomenon affects ocean currents, which are responsible for transporting warm and cold water around the globe. When glaciers and oceans work in harmony, they help regulate global temperatures and maintain the climate patterns we depend on. However, as glaciers shrink, this balance is disrupted, resulting in more extreme weather and less predictable climate conditions worldwide.

Even if your daily routine feels far removed from the ocean, marine life might be closer than you think. Many everyday products contain ingredients sourced from the sea. For example, algae-derived compounds are used in a wide range of products, including toothpaste, cosmetics, ice cream, and salad dressing. Certain medications, including those used in cancer treatments, have been developed using compounds found in marine organisms. The ocean is also a frontier for scientific discovery, where researchers continue to find new species and chemical compounds that could unlock future technologies and cures. By helping students recognize these hidden connections, we can broaden their appreciation for ocean conservation beyond the beach.

What Can You and Your Students Do?

As an educator, you also have an important role to play in helping the environment. Through simple, classroom-friendly activities, you can help students make a positive impact on ocean health. A simple way to start is by teaching students about different types of plastics, helping them start their own recycling program at school, and encouraging them to bring reusable lunch containers and water bottles. All of which helps limit the amount of plastic that ends up in our waterways. 

Additionally, saving energy in the classroom by turning off lights or unplugging devices when not can be a useful tool, as reducing waste and electricity use helps lower carbon emissions that contribute to ocean acidification and climate change. Even organizing a simple classroom or campus cleanup can be a powerful hands-on activity that demonstrates to students how quickly even inland litter can travel through storm drains and rivers to reach the sea. Finally, weaving ocean literacy into science or geography lessons by exploring how oceans influence climate, ecosystems, and global systems can deepen their understanding of the ocean’s vital role in their everyday lives.

Want to keep the learning going? Visit Watt Watchers of Texas for more blog posts, classroom resources, and fun energy-related activities that help students connect the dots between daily choices and environmental health. World Oceans Day is just one reminder that our planet’s biggest challenges are also its biggest classrooms. Let’s dive in together!