World Oceans Day, June 8, 2021
To observe World Oceans Day, here are four new books that will inform and inspire you to take action to help protect the marvelous ecosystems of all oceans.
Begin with an excerpt from The Imperiled Ocean: “When you don’t live close enough to the sea to feel its damp chill or hear the call of a foghorn daily, the ocean can become a foreign concept, a collection of sensations rather than a real place ...When we factor in the human-generated carbon emissions that the ocean takes up from the atmosphere and the heat that it tempers; the oils, minerals, and metals mined; our shared evolution, cultural history, and every second breath we take - half of the Earth’s oxygen is produced by the ocean’s bright green phytoplankton - it’s clear we all have a connection to the sea no matter where we live.” --Laura Trethewey
Future Sea: How to Rescue and Protect the World’s Oceans, is a “fast read on a deep subject [that] will leave you feeling empowered to take the plunge, understanding that in saving the natural abundance and diversity of our seas we’re really saving ourselves.” --David Helvarg, author of Saved by the Sea and The Golden Shore.
Coral Whisperers recounts the struggles of coral scientists to save these important ecosystems from the imminent threats of rapidly warming, acidifying, and polluted oceans. “Coral reefs are the single most vulnerable ecosystem on a warming planet... meet the remarkable people trying to prevent their total devastation. May this book move you to action!” --Bill McKibben, author of The End of Nature.
Seaweed, An Enchanting Miscellany, is a “beautifully illustrated ode to the most sensuous family of water plants” (publisher’s statement). Seaweed’s history, culture, science, medicinal and gastronomic properties are all explored, along with its potential for combating climate change. It’s hard to imagine another book whose bibliography could include both Kryptogamen-Flora von Deutschland (1907) and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000).
Capitol Hill Ocean Week is a multi-day event taking place right now. Join virtually, for free, and focus on building a more racially equitable and just movement for ocean and Great Lakes conservation.
Related: #Protect30x30 is a movement with the goal of protecting 30% of the world’s oceans and land by 2030.
