A new study by Economist Impact and The Nippon Foundation has found that ocean literacy levels are ‘consistently low’ among 18–24-year-olds.
Ocean literacy – encompassing recognition of the ocean’s vital role in climate change, and the measures required to protect and restore it – isn’t viewed by young people as high a priority as protecting forests, tackling air pollution, and freshwater scarcity, the Back to Blue study found.
“It is surprising and alarming to see so many young people misjudge the ocean’s health,” commented Peter Thomson, UN Ocean Envoy. “This level of low ocean literacy risks hindering progress and funding for protecting our oceans. We must invest in educating young people about the importance of ocean health and how to safeguard it for the future.”
World leaders, together with activist groups and representatives from business and science, are currently gathering in Nice, France, for the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3).
‘Concerned’ over ocean health
Some 3,500 respondents were surveyed across 35 countries, with 75% of 18-24 year olds stating that they were ‘concerned’ about the state of ocean health.
However, despite these concerns, close to half (47%) believe the ocean is still in a healthy position, with countries such as Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and The Philippines – which are each struggling with increased ocean pollution and coral reef degradation – among the countries agreeing with this statement.
Other findings from the study include that 50% of young people ‘do not understand how the ocean impacts them’, and in turn, how they impact the ocean, while three fifths (61%) prioritise other climate issues like deforestation over ocean conservation.
Elsewhere, just 46% of young people said that they want to see government action to ensure ocean health, while less then a fifth (17%) want to see corporations and businesses take increased responsibility.
‘Overlooked and underfunded’
“The ocean is one of the most overlooked and underfunded areas in global sustainability, yet its decline directly impacts how we live,” Thomson added.
“We must remember that the ocean is silently dealing with sea level rise, soaring temperatures and acidity levels as well as irreversible threats to biodiversity because of human activity. The least we can do is understand it better and make it a priority to save.” Read more here.
