World Ocean Day: Plastics dumped in oceans may reach 250 million tonnes in 10 years – World Bank
If current trends in urbanisation, production, and consumption continue, the number of plastics in the world’s oceans may reach 250 million tonnes in less than 10 years, the World Bank has warned.
It said if unsustainable fishing practices and deterioration of coastal and marine ecosystems continue, by 2050 there will be no usable fish stocks in the Asia Pacific Region.The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, in a message to mark the Day, urged governments and all stakeholders to commit to the conservation and sustainability of the oceans through innovation and science.
He said that the oceans are becoming more acidic, putting marine biodiversity and essential food chains in jeopardy.According to National Geographic, the year 2018 marked the oceans’ hottest year on record, and warmer waters lead to a range of consequences, from changing colours to rising sea levels to more frequent powerful storms.
“Fertilizer runoff from farms turns vast swathes of the ocean into dead zones, including a New Jersey-size area in the Gulf of Mexico.”According to the United Nations Development Programme , the ocean covers three quarters of the earth’s surface and represents 99 percent of the living space on the planet by volume.
However, as much as 40 per cent of the ocean is heavily affected by pollution, depleted fisheries, loss of coastal habitats and other human activities, UNDP said.The Sustainable Development Goal aim to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems from pollution, as well as address the impacts of ocean acidification.
Nigeria Latest News, Nigeria Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
World Rugby unveils qualification format for 2023 World CupWorld Rugby on Monday announced the qualification process for the 2023 World Cup in France, aimed at promoting a “genuine opportunity” for all unions. Twelve teams —– South Africa, England, New Zea…
Read more »
Fidelity Bank donates COVID-19 Isolation Centre to Anambra StateFidelity Bank Plc has handed over a 50-bed capacity isolation centre at Ekwulobia General Hospital to the Anambra State Government.
Read more »
African Development Bank unveils strategy roadmap to safeguard food security against impacts of COVID-19The Feed Africa Response to COVID-19 (FAREC) paves the way for a comprehensive intervention to build resilience, sustainability and regional
Read more »
Calling on Access Bank, Halogen Security - The Nation Nigeria NewsI was engaged as a security staff with Intercontinental Bank, not contract/outsourced staff before Access Bank acquired it in 2011.Subsequently, Access Bank
Read more »
Wema Bank Set to end 2020 on a high following successful AGMThe bank posted significant growth in its 2019 performance with an increase in the bank's interest income and non-interest income from the previous year.
Read more »
Go after Kogi bank robbers, Reps urge IG
Read more »