No matter where you live on our blue planet we all have a role to play in ocean
stewardship. We are at an inflection point in human history as to whether or not we
return to our evolutionary roots of respect and connection to nature and embrace an
environmental ethic. We can all be ocean stewards and take action for the benefit
of our ocean planet.
Parents can teach children about the awe and wonder of nature. Rachel Carson,
marine biologist and conservation, was fond of taking her nephew on seashore and
nature walks. She wrote “The lasting pleasures of contact with the natural world
are not reserved for scientists but are available to anyone who will place himself
under the influence of earth, sea and sky and their amazing life”. Families can
purchase food at farmers markets, eat sustainably, and reduce, reuse and recycle
items.
Teachers can discuss the ocean literacy principles with students. Even though
ocean literacy is not in the school curriculum, teachers can use the ocean literacy
tool kit materials created by the United Nations and National Marine Educators
Association. Teachers can have students watch awe inspiring ocean documentaries
like The Blue Planet in class or invite guest speakers from ocean conservation
organizations. Elementary school teachers can read books like the Lorax about
environmental responsibility to children. As Dr. Seuss warns “Unless someone like
you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It’s not”.
Religious leaders concur that it is a moral imperative to protect nature and
vulnerable people and urgent action is needed. Pope Francis’ encyclical on the
environment urged people and world leaders to combat climate change. In 2021,
Pope Francis and 40 religious leaders addressed their grave concerns for humanity
in the face of climate change with an appeal to UN Climate Change Conference.
“Each of us has his or her religious beliefs and spiritual traditions, but no cultural,
political or social borders or barriers prevent us from standing together … let us
commit ourselves to a future shaped by interdependence and co-responsibility”
wrote Pope Frances. The Dalai Lama, Tibetan Buddhism leader and Nobel Peace
Prize recipient, teaches of the interdependency between the natural environment
and people.
Doctors and counselors can help their patients by recommending they spend time
in nature. Spending time in or near the ocean or other blue spaces as well as green
space has been shown to have many physical and mental health benefits including
reductions in anxiety and depression, type 2 diabetes and obesity, and improved
concentration (numerous citations, White et al 2019 .…) Some health care
providers are experimenting with providing patients with a nature prescription.
Businesses can embrace responsible and sustainable practices. “If we have any
hope of a thriving planet—much less a thriving business—50 years from now, it is
going to take all of us doing what we can with the resources we have.” Yvon
Chouinard, Patagonia founder. Patagonia is an American outdoor apparel company
valued at $3 billion dollars. In 2022, Yvon Chouinard, rock climber, surfer, and
businessman, committed to saving the planet by donating the company. Patagonia’s
estimated $100 million dollar annual profits will be used to protect and preserve
nature and biodiversity and support social justice. As well as engage in
environmental activism by advocating for causes and political candidates through
the not-for-profit organization, the Holdfast Collective. Additionally, Patagonia
pledges 1% of annual sales to the preservation and restoration of nature through
1% for the Planet which funds environmental action oriented non-profits. Their
Worn Wear program extends the life of Patagonia clothes and products by repairing
them, trade in for a store credit, or purchasing used apparel on the website. Their
durable well made products help reduce peoples impact on the planet by creating
less trash, consuming less energy, and using less water to make products. Patagonia
is a beacon in environmental and social responsible business practices. They are a
certified B Corp and a California benefit corporation. The company’s purpose is:
We’re in business to save our home planet.
Politicians can continue to put aside political differences and work to fight climate
change. The global Ocean connects us all and has been on the frontlines of
anthropogenic environmental change absorbing carbon dioxide and other
greenhouse gas emissions leading to detrimental effects on ocean ecosystems and
human health. In face of the dire environmental crisis, Jane Goodall, primatologist
and conservationist, still has faith in humanity “I do have reasons for hope: our
clever brains, the resilience of nature, the indomitable human spirit, and above all,
the commitment of young people when they’re empowered to take