Anja Murray takes a deep dive into the state of Ireland’s marine environment, she’ll uncover the main threats but also the solutions, joining the scientists and communities fighting for the health of our oceans.
Oceans are essential for all life on Earth, they supply over half of the world’s oxygen, sequester massive amounts of carbon and are a primary source of food for 3.5 billion people. But despite this vital role, our oceans are in crisis, facing unprecedented threats as a result of overfishing, climate change, pollution, habitat destruction and other forms of human exploitation.
Ireland’s offshore waters are considered to be relatively healthy, however they are increasingly under pressure. With almost 2 million of us living within 5 kilometres of the coast, our collective actions impact these important ecosystems and only 2% of Ireland’s marine habitats have been designated as protected areas, meaning we have missed the legally binding target to protect at least 10% by 2020. Simultaneously it seems we are nature’s destroyer but we are also it’s best hope. Ecologist Anja Murray meets with scientists and communities fighting to safeguard these precious habitats.
30 июл 2024
