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| SAVING THE SEAS THE ENVIRONMENT GLOBAL WARMING At ChallengerDeep, we take the stand that Global Warming is real, immediate, and poses a great threat to the future of our planet. While there is credible evidence that Global Warming is cyclical and a natural part of the Earth's vast history, we also believe that Mankind has a responsibility to prevent actions and practices that hasten the climate changes. There are an amazing number of strident "experts"on either side of the issue and a remarkable amount of money being made by the champions of "Green", which makes average citizens view the reality of Globval Warming with a certain amount of skepticism, but regardless of who does the loudest yelling, the facts are readily apparent...the world is getting warmer and critical habitat is disappearing at an alarming rate. The Arctic pack ice is shrinking, glaciers are disappearing, overall ocean salinity has decreased and Carbon pollution is on the rise. While every observed effect can be attributed to the cyclic nature of our Planet, Mankind's insistence on the burning of fossil fuels has hastened the change...we are at a "tipping point" and must become diligent in preserving the balance before we tip too far. Whether or not it is caused by Mankind's Carbon Dioxide emissions or natural processes, Global Warming will effect every one of us in our lifetime. The world as we know it is rapidly changing, with devastating results...and we must ensure that we do everything possible to minimize the environmental impact. From shrinking glaciers to the dilution of the world's oceans, widespread famine, economic and social collapse and the destruction of the critical biosphere that all life depends on, this problem is truly global in impact. ChallengerDeep asks everyone to become an advocate for change. We will continue to expand this information source so that you can make real and informed choices that will have a positive impact on the problem of Global Warming.   In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly decided that 8 June would be designated by the United Nations as “World Oceans Day” Many countries have celebrated World Oceans Day following the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, which was held in Rio de Janerio in 1992. The Oceans are essential to food security and the health and survival of all life, power our climate and are a critical part of the biosphere. The official designation of World Oceans Day is an opportunity to raise global awareness of the current challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans.
The UN Secretary-General
MESSAGE ON WORLD OCEANS DAY
8 June 2009
The first observance of World Oceans Day allows us to highlight the many ways in which oceans contribute to society. It is also an opportunity to recognize the considerable challenges we face in maintaining their capacity to regulate the global climate, supply essential ecosystem services and provide sustainable livelihoods and safe recreation.
Indeed, human activities are taking a terrible toll on the world’s oceans and seas. Vulnerable marine ecosystems, such as corals, and important fisheries are being damaged by over-exploitation, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, destructive fishing practices, invasive alien species and marine pollution, especially from land-based sources. Increased sea temperatures, sea-level rise and ocean acidification caused by climate change pose a further threat to marine life, coastal and island communities and national economies.
Oceans are also affected by criminal activity. Piracy and armed robbery against ships threaten the lives of seafarers and the safety of international shipping, which transports 90 per cent of the world’s goods. Smuggling of illegal drugs and the trafficking of persons by sea are further examples of how criminal activities threaten lives and the peace and security of the oceans.
Several international instruments drawn up under the auspices of the United Nations address these numerous challenges. At their centre lies the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It provides the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out, and is the basis for international cooperation at all levels. In addition to aiming at universal participation, the world must do more to implement this Convention and to uphold the rule of law on the seas and oceans.
The theme of World Oceans Day, “Our oceans, our responsibility”, emphasizes our individual and collective duty to protect the marine environment and carefully manage its resources. Safe, healthy and productive seas and oceans are integral to human well-being, economic security and sustainable development.
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