Day 10

Oceans

Why is ocean health critical?

In 1972, the first full image of Earth, “The Blue Marble,” was taken from space, becoming an iconic symbol that amplified the growing environmental movement. Oceans cover over 70% of our planet, stretching into vast depths like the Mariana Trench, nearly 36,000 feet deep, where unique creatures thrive in extreme conditions. From the smallest plankton to the largest whales, marine biodiversity is astonishing, with coral reefs—often called the rainforests of the sea—playing a vital role in ocean health.

Oceans also regulate our climate, absorbing heat and carbon dioxide, and producing oxygen through photosynthesis by marine plants like phytoplankton. Yet, despite their vastness, oceans are not immune to human impact. Pollution, overfishing, and climate change are threatening these delicate ecosystems.


The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.
Jacques Cousteau, Explorer, filmmaker, scientist, and researcher
Read More

The Unexplored World Below

Beneath the surface lies an incredible, mostly unexplored world—home to underwater waterfalls, lakes, and the planet’s longest mountain range. Despite being over 95% unexplored, the ocean plays a vital role in sustaining life by providing food, oxygen, and habitats for countless species—many of which remain unknown. 

How Oceans Support Our Lives

Oceans play a critical role in shaping weather patterns. As they absorb heat from the atmosphere, it becomes harder for them to continue absorbing increasing amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). Since the 1950s, oceans have stored significantly more heat, leading to more severe weather events. Warmer waters and higher CO2 levels also make oceans more acidic, harming marine life like clams and corals. Coral bleaching, caused by acidic waters, weakens coral reefs—vital protectors of coastlines and essential marine habitats. In recent bleaching events, scientists estimate that 65% of coral reefs were affected.

Oceans are also rising. In the past century, sea levels have increased by 6-8 inches due to melting glaciers, ice sheets, and thermal expansion. This rising tide impacts marine life, coastal ecosystems, and human communities, as more land is submerged.

Protecting Our Oceans Together

Many organizations are dedicated to protecting our oceans. One of our partners, 5 Gyres, works to understand and combat the impacts of plastic pollution. With over 11 million tons of plastic entering our oceans each year, reducing plastic use is essential. Look for products that are sustainable and reef safe—especially when it comes to sunscreen.

Our partner Only One provides a platform for stories and solutions that inspire ocean conservation. The fight to protect oceans is a global effort, with many countries working to establish marine protected areas. For example, in 2023, the United States and over three dozen other nations launched the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, aiming to preserve the Atlantic Ocean as a sustainable, resilient resource.

Taking Action for the Oceans

What we eat also matters. Industrial fishing contributes to ocean pollution and habitat destruction. If you consume seafood, consider sustainable brands that regulate catch amounts and use eco-friendly methods. Check out this resource guide for more information!

While individual actions make a difference, we also need systemic change. Advocate for environmental policies, vote for leaders who prioritize ocean conservation, and share knowledge in your community. Our oceans need all of us to act!

PARTNERS

The Story of Stuff Project
The Story of Stuff Project

EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Resources to Understand Oceans and Climate

The health of our oceans is deeply connected to the state of our climate. Understanding this relationship is crucial for protecting marine ecosystems and addressing the climate crisis. Watch, explore, and discover how oceans and climate are intertwined—and what we can do to safeguard these vital systems for the future.

CHALLENGES

Green

20 POINTS

THINK

Scientists estimate that there are currently 100 million metric tons of plastic in our oceans. This pollution harms, and often kills, marine life, especially when creatures ingest toxins or get entangled in plastic waste. The impact is widespread, affecting ecosystems across the globe.

CHALLENGE

  1. Read this article by Only One about the growing concern of ocean plastic pollution. In 300 words or less, write a reflection that includes:
    • Two facts that stood out to you
    • Two potential solutions to the global issue of plastic pollution
    • Two ways you can personally contribute to solving this problem
    • Two actions businesses can take to address plastic waste
  2. Share how you can be part of the solution on Instagram with a meaningful image. In your caption, share something you learned that resonates with your audience, and tag @TurningGreenOrg and @OnlyOne with the hashtags #PGC2024 and #PlasticFree.

SUBMIT YOUR WORK:

  1. Create a PDF: Combine your deliverables and a screenshot of your social media post into a single PDF. Ensure your name (or team name), username, and school are included.
  2. File Naming: Save your PDF as firstname_lastname_challengeday_challengelevel_year.pdf
    eg: kasie_jones_day10_green_2024.pdf
    Avoid using symbols (including #) or spaces in the file name.
  3. File Size: Ensure the file size does not exceed 5 MB.
  4. Submit: Upload your PDF. A green confirmation message will appear if your submission is successful. If you don’t see this, please try again.
  5. Points: If your total points don’t update, your submission may not have uploaded correctly—please retry.
  6. Score: Points can be checked by going to Edit Profile on the bottom navigation bar. Your score is at the top of the page
  7. Questions: Direct any inquiries to info@turninggreen.org.
  8. Social Media: Share your challenge activities on social media, tagging us on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg, Facebook @Turning Green, and using #PGC2024.
The deadline for entering this challenge has past.

Greener

40 POINTS

THINK

Bodies of water serve hidden yet vital purposes. Mangroves, for example, protect against tropical storms and rising sea levels while also sequestering large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere.

CHALLENGE

  1. Listen to the podcast Is Water Alive? featuring Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a climate activist, author, and marine biologist, in conversation with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant. Dr. Johnson discusses the beauty of the ocean and why she prefers the word possibility over hope when it comes to climate solutions.
  2. Reflect on the idea of using “possibility” instead of “hope” when talking about climate change. Take 10 minutes to journal, doodle, or reflect in any way that feels right for you.
  3. Get creative! Respond to Dr. Johnson’s question: “What would it look like if we really lived as if we loved the future and all the possibilities it holds?” You can choose to:
    • Write a Haiku poem
    • Make a collage using multimedia images (remember to cite your sources)
    • Create an illustration with simple call-to-action phrases
  4. Post your creation on Instagram. Write a caption that shares your vision of the possibilities for the future in the face of climate change. Be sure to tag @TurningGreenOrg, @AyanaEliza, and use the hashtag #PGC2024.

SUBMIT YOUR WORK

  1. Create a PDF: Combine your deliverables and a screenshot of your social media post into a single PDF. Ensure your name (or team name), username, and school are included.
  2. File Naming: Save your PDF as firstname_lastname_challengeday_challengelevel_year.pdf
    eg: kasie_jones_day10_greener_2024.pdf
    Avoid using symbols (including #) or spaces in the file name.
  3. File Size: Ensure the file size does not exceed 5 MB.
  4. Submit: Upload your PDF. A green confirmation message will appear if your submission is successful. If you don’t see this, please try again.
  5. Points: If your total points don’t update, your submission may not have uploaded correctly—please retry.
  6. Score: Points can be checked by going to Edit Profile on the bottom navigation bar. Your score is at the top of the page.
  7. Questions: Direct any inquiries to info@turninggreen.org.
  8. Social Media: Share your challenge activities on social media, tagging us on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg, Facebook @Turning Green, and using #PGC2024.
The deadline for entering this challenge has past.

Greenest

60 POINTS

THINK

Take a deep dive into the work of marine scientists. Watch this talk from Turning Green’s Project Green Course about the challenges facing global oceans. The speakers include Dr. Fiorenza Micheli, co-director of Stanford’s Center for Ocean Solutions and a marine ecologist at the Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University, and Fabiola Rivera Irizarry, a marine scientist in Puerto Rico working to restore coral reefs. Oceans capture nearly one-third of the carbon emitted by human activity.

CHALLENGE

  1. Reflect on everything you’ve learned during this challenge and the critical need for marine protection to ensure healthy oceans and mitigate climate change.
  2. Create an eye-catching graphical piece that includes a clear call to action (e.g., “Protect Our Reefs” or “Save the Mangroves”). Your creation should include actionable steps your audience can take to help protect our oceans. Be creative with your format—you could design:
    • A flyer
    • A story map
    • A social media slider
    • A video
  3. Upload your work to Instagram with an informative caption that explains your call to action. Be sure to tag @TurningGreenOrg, @OnlyOne, and any other relevant organizations or resources, using the hashtag #PGC2024.

SUBMIT YOUR WORK

  1. Create a PDF: Combine your deliverables and a screenshot of your social media post into a single PDF. Ensure your name (or team name), username, and school are included.
  2. File Naming: Save your PDF as firstname_lastname_challengeday_challengelevel_year.pdf
    eg: kasie_jones_day10_greenest_2024.pdf
    Avoid using symbols (including #) or spaces in the file name.
  3. File Size: Ensure the file size does not exceed 5 MB.
  4. Submit: Upload your PDF. A green confirmation message will appear if your submission is successful. If you don’t see this, please try again.
  5. Points: If your total points don’t update, your submission may not have uploaded correctly—please retry.
  6. Score: Points can be checked by going to Edit Profile on the bottom navigation bar. Your score is at the top of the page
  7. Questions: Direct any inquiries to info@turninggreen.org.
  8. Social Media: Share your challenge activities on social media, tagging us on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg, Facebook @Turning Green, and using #PGC2024.
The deadline for entering this challenge has past.

PRIZES

Up to 10 Greener and 10 Greenest outstanding submissions will be selected as winners.

Each Greener Winner will receive: 

  • A 16 oz Wide Mouth Water Bottle with Cafe Cap from our partner, Klean Kanteen, a Climate Neutral Certified B Corp committed to sustainability and to making high-quality, durable, reusable stainless steel insulated water bottles, mugs, cups, tumblers, food containers and steel straws.
  • A Sunscreen Stick from our partner Acure that offers broad spectrum protection, free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, and formaldehyde.
  • A 4Ocean bracelet, handcrafted with the ocean plastic recovered by their crew. Every 4ocean bracelet pulls five pounds of trash from the world’s oceans, rivers, and coastlines.

Each Greenest Winner will receive: 

  • A chair from Helinox, lightweight, portable furniture designed for durability, packability, and a modern aesthetic. Each chair is made with 90% recycled fabric and is designed to be durable, long-lasting and repairable.
  • Mineral Sunscreen from our partner Acure that offers broad spectrum protection, free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, and formaldehyde.