With every breath we take, every drop we drink, we're connected to the ocean. Our planet depends on the vitality of the ocean to support and sustain it. But our ocean faces major threats: global climate change, pollution, habitat destruction, invasive species, and a dramatic decrease in ocean fish stocks. These threats to the ocean are so extensive that more than 40% of the ocean has been severely affected and no area has been left untouched. Consequently, humanity is losing the food, jobs, and critical environmental services that a healthy ocean generates. The National Geographic Society's Ocean Initiative aims to restore health and productivity to the ocean by inspiring people to care and act, reducing the impact of fishing, and promoting the creation of marine protected areas.

Watch this video during formal or informal instruction to explain to students why a healthier ocean means a healthier planet. Covering 72% of Earth and supplying half its oxygen, the ocean is our planet's life support system. This video dives into why the ocean is important and some of the biggest threats it faces.

Transcript (English)

- Many people look at the ocean and they see water. It's not just water, it's alive.

- The largest mountain ranges on the planet are beneath the sea. The deepest canyons are beneath the sea.

- The oceans gives us more than half of the oxygen we breathe, regulates the climate, give us all the seafood and recreational opportunities.

- [Earle] It's our life support system. Every breath we take, every drop of water we drink, we're connected to nature, especially to the ocean.

- [Ballard] The oceans cover 72% of the planet.

- 12% of the land is protected in national parks or reserves. In the ocean, less than 2% is protected.

- We're sort of a little creature living on the back of this much larger creature. But we've now reached a point where we can actually do harm to our host. And I don't think people realize that the earth is so vulnerable.

- [Earle] We've lost 90% of the big fish in the sea. We've seen the decline of coral reefs and a growth of dead zones.

- People have the ability to make history, to create positive change. We need another revolution, we need a healthier planet.

Transcripción (Español)

- Muchas personas miran al océano y solo ven agua. Pero no es solo agua, está viva.

- Las montañas más grandes del planeta se encuentran bajo el mar. Los cañones más profundos están bajo el mar.

- Los océanos nos proporcionan más de la mitad del oxígeno que respiramos, regulan el clima y nos dan todos los mariscos y oportunidades recreativas.

- [Earle] Es nuestro sistema de soporte vital. Cada respiración que tomamos, cada gota de agua que bebemos, estamos conectados con la naturaleza, especialmente con el océano.

- [Ballard] Los océanos cubren el 72 % del planeta.

- El 12 % de la tierra está protegido en parques nacionales o reservas. En el océano, menos del 2 % está protegido.

- Somos como una pequeña criatura que vive sobre la espalda de esta criatura mucho más grande. Pero hemos llegado a un punto en el que podemos hacerle daño a nuestro anfitrión. Y no creo que la gente se dé cuenta de lo vulnerable que es la Tierra.

- [Earle] Hemos perdido el 90 % de los peces grandes en el mar. Hemos visto la disminución de los arrecifes de coral y un aumento de las zonas muertas. Las personas tienen la capacidad de hacer historia, de generar un cambio positivo. Necesitamos otra revolución, necesitamos un planeta más saludable.