How Oceans Shape Life on Earth

More than seventy percent of our planet is covered by ocean.

The ocean is a living system that shapes all life on Earth.

Oceans produce more than half of the oxygen we breathe.

Tiny plants called phytoplankton live near the ocean surface and release oxygen through photosynthesis.

The ocean also controls Earth's temperature by absorbing heat from the sun.

Warm and cold ocean currents move heat around the planet, affecting weather patterns everywhere.

The water cycle depends on the ocean, since most rain comes from water that evaporated from the sea.

Millions of species live in the ocean, from the smallest bacteria to the largest whale.

These creatures form complex food chains that support life both in and out of the water.

More than one billion people rely on seafood as their main source of protein.

Coastal communities around the world depend on healthy oceans for fishing, tourism, and transportation.

However, human activities such as pollution and overfishing are putting oceans under serious pressure.

Rising ocean temperatures are causing coral reefs to bleach and die.

Understanding the ocean helps us understand life itself.

We must protect our oceans today to preserve life on Earth for future generations.