UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030

Visit the UN Ocean Atlas!

Many big weather events, such as hurricanes, typhoons, floods or drought, are generated by changing ocean conditions. Major climate events, such as El Niņo and La Niņa, result from ocean temperature changes. El Niņo refers to abnormally warm ocean surface temperatures and changing wind patterns, which changes weather around the globe.

Global fish production exceeds that of cattle, sheep, poultry or eggs. It is the biggest source of wild or domestic protein in the world. But 15 of the world's 17 largest fisheries are either overfished or in trouble.

Listen to the World Oceans Radio

Rivers and other water bodies that flow into oceans carry an incredible volume of plastic waste - at least 1.1 million tonnes! This would be equivalent to the load of one garbage truck dumping plastic waste every minute!