We all need a daily dose of good news to keep us going during these strange times. And as important as it is to stay informed, the current trend of news can be mildly demoralising. There are countless studies that have explored the effects of ‘disaster news’. Exposure to these news sources can cause anxiety, mood disorders and can even be addictive. That’s why we need to make sure we’re getting our daily fill of good news that will uplift and ease anxiety, making us hopeful for the future.
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So, what is the good news?
Scientists predict that it’s possible for the world’s oceans to be restored in the next 30 years. Experts suggest that the waters destroyed by the impact of pollution, over-fishing and habitat disruption may be recovered by the year 2050. This is all thanks to conservation work and the earth’s inherent ability to restore itself. Evidence exhibits that marine life can start to restore and climate change can start to be reversed.
How do we restore the oceans?
The review in the journal, Nature explains that the earth’s climate crisis needs to be dealt with urgently. The climate crisis is helped by conserving coastal habitats and oceans, which aid in soaking up carbon dioxide emissions.
Take a look at this informative video about how scientists are helping to restore the coral in the Great Barrier Reef:
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Scientists recommend that the actions required to restore oceans in the next three decades include:
- Harvesting species wisely
- Restoring habitats such as salt marshes, mangroves, seagrasses, coral reefs, kelp, oyster reefs, fisheries and megafauna.
Talking to the experts
Professor Carlos Duarte of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia, says, “We have a narrow window of opportunity to deliver a healthy ocean to our grandchildren, and we have the knowledge and tools to do so.
“Our study documents the recovery of marine populations, habitats and ecosystems following past conservation interventions. It provides specific, evidence-based recommendations to scale proven solutions globally.
“We know what we ought to do to rebuild marine life, and we have evidence that this goal can be achieved within three decades.”
“We now have the skills and expertise to restore vital marine habitats such as oyster reefs, mangrove swamps and salt marshes – which keep the seas clean, the coasts protected and provide food to support entire ecosystems,” adds co-author Professor Callum Roberts from the University of York in England.
“Science gives us reason to be optimistic about the future of our oceans, but we are not currently doing enough at home or globally.”
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