It’s no secret polar OCEANS are changing. But instead of freezing from panic — learn how we can work together to help preserve these vital waters for a promising future.
It’s true — those statistics showing the rapid decline of polar sea ice and glaciers are frightening. Arctic glaciers may melt before 2100 and 95% of the region’s thickest ice has disappeared. Down south, Antarctica’s dense ice has been disappearing at unprecedented levels — 8.3 trillion tons in just 25 years.
Because of which, ecosystems are being altered greatly. More pollutants, greater acidification, altered food webs, just to name a few. Is it too late to save polar OCEANS? No, we can reverse course — and here’s how.
Efforts to stay frosty — on a global scale
As more sea ice melts, it invites an even bigger dilemma. Shipping, mining and more pollution threatens vital marine ecosystems. It’s imperative a protection zone be created for these spaces. One way to do so? Tackle the source of the problem.
Organizations are calling for the planet to reduce methane emissions. Methane is a greenhouse gas that traps heat from the sun as it is released into our atmosphere. Agriculture is the primary driver for methane emissions; responsible for 32% of total emissions. Sustainable agriculture and reduced fuel consumption has the potential to slow down this process.
To enact change, leaders at COP28 announced a plan to reduce methane emissions through a “You Collect, We Buy” plan. Companies will be incentivized to collect extra methane to prevent waste. The fully developed plan will be released in 2024 at COP29.
Other efforts to protect the poles that have proven effective are the establishment of treatises on ocean management, establishing more protected marine zones, and fighting risky offshore drilling. Organizations like Oceana and Ocean Conservancy, two organizations supported by VAKOVAKO, are doing just that.
Save the ice — in everyday life
One of the easiest ways you can support these organizations and initiatives is through donations. But you can go even further too — here are a few other ways to save the poles:
- Reduce your fuel consumption: Take public transportation, ride a bike, and don’t forget to turn off the lights.
- Shop local: Alleviate the strain shipping places on the environment.
- Travel smart: When possible, take the train instead of the plane.
