Life Below Water
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Over 17 million metric tons of pollution enter the ocean annually, set to triple by 2040.
Only 8.4% of the ocean is protected — far below the 30% target for 2030
The Numbers That Matter
Why It Matters
The ocean covers over 70% of Earth's surface and is vital for climate regulation, food security, and biodiversity. Yet marine pollution has reached alarming levels — over 17 million metric tons entered the ocean in 2021, a figure set to double or triple by 2040.
Read the full picture
Roughly 80% of marine pollution originates on land, including agricultural runoff, plastics, and untreated sewage. An average of 13,000 pieces of plastic litter are found on every square kilometer of ocean. Ocean acidification has increased 30% since pre-industrial times, threatening marine ecosystems. Only 8.4% of the ocean is designated as marine protected areas — far below the 30% target for 2030 — with just 46% of marine key biodiversity areas under protection. The 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice saw over 800 voluntary commitments and 19 new ratifications of the high-seas treaty, bringing the total to 50 states, just 10 short of entry into force.
Topics Covered
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