Goal 14 focuses on conserving oceans and marine resources, essential for life on Earth. Oceans cover 75% of the Earth’s surface, contain 97% of its water, and provide crucial resources such as food, medicine, and biofuels. They also mitigate storm damage, manage waste, and serve as the planet’s primary carbon sink.

However, marine pollution has reached critical levels, with over 17 million metric tons of waste—mainly plastic—polluting oceans in 2021, a figure expected to double or triple by 2040. Additionally, ocean acidification, now 30% higher than pre-industrial levels, threatens marine biodiversity and food security.

Sustainable management of ocean resources is crucial for a resilient future. This includes investing in ocean science, boosting conservation, and addressing climate change to protect this vital yet vulnerable ecosystem. Current efforts are insufficient to meet the urgent need for ocean conservation.

Source: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/oceans/