Think Ocean CIC

The holiday season brings joy, togetherness, and giving—but it also brings a surge in waste and pollution. With small, mindful choices, we can lower the stats and make a difference for our planet. Here’s a glimpse of the environmental cost of Christmas: UK residents use 227,000 miles of wrapping paper annually, enough to circle the Earth over nine times. Over 125,000 tonnes of plastic packaging is generated, much of which ends up in landfills. Around 8 million Christmas trees are discarded as waste after the holidays. The good news? We can change these numbers by making thoughtful, sustainable choices. Here are 5 easy steps to reduce your impact this holiday season: 🎁 Switch to eco-friendly wrapping: Reuse wrapping paper, gift bags, and tags or choose recyclable materials. Better yet, wrap gifts in fabric using the Japanese furoshiki technique. ✨ Opt for reusable decorations: Upcycle old ornaments, make your own decor from recycled materials, or invest in timeless, reusable pieces. 🍽 Host greener gatherings: Use reusable plates, cups, and cutlery for parties, and avoid single-use plastic. Serve food in sustainable packaging or go package-free when possible. 🌱 Give the gift of sustainability: Choose upcycled, handmade, or eco-friendly gifts. Consider giving experiences or donating to ocean conservation projects in someone’s name. 🏞 Engage in eco-friendly activities: Organize nature walks, beach cleanups, or DIY craft sessions using recycled materials to inspire creativity and environmental responsibility. Every small action adds up. Let’s make this festive season a time of giving back—not just to our loved ones, but to the planet too. Together, we can celebrate joyfully and sustainably, making a real difference for future generations. What are your favorite eco-friendly holiday traditions? Let us know below! #thinkoceancic #sustainableholidays #ecofriendlychristmas #reducereuserecycle #plasticfreefestivities #oceanconservation #holidaysustainability #greenliving

The aftermath of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte reveals a crisis of catastrophic proportions, likened by survivors to a "nuclear war aftermath." With wind speeds exceeding 225km/h (140mph), the storm has claimed at least 20 lives, but local officials fear the toll could rise to thousands. Vulnerable communities, including undocumented migrants living in sheet-metal shacks, were devastated by the storm, leaving residents without basic necessities like water, food, and electricity. The cyclone also crippled infrastructure, with 85% of the island still without power and widespread damage to roads and utilities hampering relief efforts. Mayotte’s challenges are compounded by its socio-economic vulnerabilities, with 75% of the population living below the poverty line. Emergency workers, including reinforcements from France, are racing against time to locate survivors amidst the debris. Supplies have started to arrive, but severe shortages persist. Residents describe the harrowing scenes: contaminated drinking water, homes flattened, and entire neighborhoods wiped out. One nurse in Mamoudzou called the situation "apocalyptic," while others fear the hunger crisis may claim even more lives. The French government has pledged support, with French President Emmanuel Macron and emergency teams mobilized to address this unprecedented disaster. At Think Ocean CIC, we stand in solidarity with the people of Mayotte as they face this unprecedented crisis. This tragedy highlights the devastating effects of climate change on vulnerable coastal communities, particularly those already grappling with poverty and instability. Our mission is to advocate for climate resilience, equitable support, and sustainable solutions that protect these communities. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to work collectively to ensure no one is left behind in the fight against climate-related disasters. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dfmVNdbU #climateaction #mayotte #disasterrelief #climateresilience #coastalcommunities #humanitarianaid #sustainability #globalcrisis #thinkocean #solidarity

Cyclone Chido is currently impacting parts of Comoros, Mozambique, Malawi, and Madagascar, bringing heavy rains, strong winds, and a heightened risk of flooding. Authorities are working to safeguard communities, and residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow official safety guidance. Extreme weather events like this highlight the urgent need for climate resilience and disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions.Think Ocean stands in solidarity with those affected. Stay informed and stay safe. #cycloneresponse #climateaction #resilience

The bluefin tuna, once on the verge of extinction due to overfishing, has become a symbol of hope in marine conservation. Over the past two decades, international efforts to enforce sustainable fishing quotas and combat illegal fishing have led to remarkable recovery. The Atlantic bluefin tuna, for instance, has been reclassified from "endangered" to "least concern" by the IUCN, while Pacific bluefin has exceeded population recovery targets. This success story highlights the power of collaborative, science-driven initiatives in protecting marine biodiversity. However, this iconic species now faces a new and growing threat: climate change. Bluefin tuna are highly sensitive to temperature changes, which can disrupt their metabolism, reproduction, and feeding patterns. Rising ocean temperatures, especially in the Mediterranean Sea, a critical spawning ground, may push juvenile bluefin out of the region within the next 50 years. The Mediterranean, already classified as a "climate hotspot," is projected to see a 1-3°C rise in ocean surface temperatures by the end of the century. Studies show that temperatures exceeding 28°C can adversely affect the metabolism and growth of juvenile bluefin, threatening their survival and, in turn, impacting entire marine ecosystems. 🌊🐟 At Think Ocean CIC, we advocate for urgent action to combat climate change and protect marine life. While the rebound of bluefin tuna is a testament to what can be achieved through sustainable practices, the climate crisis demands even greater global cooperation. Advanced research, such as the analysis of otoliths (calcium carbonate structures in fish ears), has provided critical insights into how rising temperatures affect bluefin tuna, underscoring the need for science-based solutions. By prioritizing the health of our oceans, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting sustainable fisheries, we can ensure species like bluefin tuna thrive for generations to come. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eg4aWpTT #climatechange #bluefintuna #marineconservation #sustainablefishing #oceanhealth

Mountains are the lifeblood of our rivers 🌄💧, providing freshwater to over half of humanity and hosting diverse ecosystems. They are home to 15% of the world’s population and nearly 25% of terrestrial biodiversity. On International Mountain Day, we celebrate these towering giants while addressing the need to protect them from the escalating threats of climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable practices. Pollution and habitat destruction are endangering mountain ecosystems, which are the source of 60-80% of the world’s freshwater. When mountain environments are damaged, the rivers and streams they feed suffer, impacting agriculture, energy production, and drinking water supplies downstream. Protecting mountain ecosystems is vital to maintaining clean waterways and supporting life at every level. Think Ocean CIC works with communities near mountain river sources to promote sustainable practices, reduce pollution, and safeguard these fragile ecosystems. Let’s commit to preserving these essential habitats, ensuring the resilience of our water systems and securing clean water for generations to come. 🌊🏔️ #internationalmountainday #protectourrivers #thinkoceancic #cleanwaterways #actnow #sustainability #plasticfreefuture #communityempowerment #protectourplanet #waterislife

Singapore has taken a monumental step toward marine conservation with the launch of the 100k Corals Initiative, aiming to plant 100,000 corals in its waters over the next decade. Spearheaded by the National Parks Board (NParks), this initiative includes developing a coral culture facility at the Marine Park Outreach and Education Centre on St John’s Island, set to open in 2025. This facility will cultivate corals for transplantation, helping to restore degraded reefs and establish new coral communities. Climate change poses a significant threat to coral reefs worldwide, with rising ocean temperatures leading to more frequent coral bleaching events. Minister Desmond Lee emphasized the urgency of this initiative, as global bleaching events now occur more frequently, jeopardizing coral ecosystems. Coral restoration projects like this aim to enhance reef resilience, safeguard marine biodiversity, and combat the impacts of climate change. The initiative builds on Singapore’s conservation efforts, including the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, while significantly scaling up restoration. Conservation icon Dr. Jane Goodall attended the launch, reinforcing the importance of protecting marine life. These efforts provide hope for a sustainable future for coral reefs and ocean ecosystems. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dAzNae5b #coralrestoration #climatechange #marinebiodiversity #protectouroceans #thinkocean #singapore

🌊 On November 1, 2024, our partner, the R.O.L.E. Foundation, teamed up with Piaget Life Academy Surabaya for an impactful beach cleanup at Tanjung Benoa Beach, Southern Bali. With the participation of 25 students and 12 teachers, they collected 60.33 kilograms of non-organic waste, including glass bottles, ghost nets, shoes, slippers, and plastics. This waste will be processed at the ZeroWaste Center, contributing to sustainable solutions like creating glass sand. Through this initiative, students gained hands-on experience in tackling plastic pollution while actively protecting our environment. Tanjung Benoa Beach, a favorite for its vibrant tourism and water sports, faces significant waste challenges due to human activity. A pre-event survey revealed alarming levels of waste along the coastline, highlighting the urgency of action. This cleanup not only transformed the beach but also raised awareness about the ongoing threats our oceans face. The team hopes their efforts inspire similar actions worldwide, building a collective movement for healthier ecosystems. Beach cleanups like this are a simple yet powerful way to protect marine life and prevent waste from entering our oceans. Whether you're in Bali or elsewhere, your actions matter. Join us in making a difference—find a local cleanup near you, or start your own and help turn the tide against plastic pollution! 🌍 #beachcleanup #oceanconservation #plasticpollution #marineprotection #sustainability #environmentalawareness #zerowaste #protectouroceans #ecoaction #climateaction #saveouroceans #cleanupdrive #sustainableliving #communityaction #oceanawareness #stopplasticwaste

On this Human Rights Day, Think Ocean CIC stands strong in advocating for a world where everyone has the right to a clean and healthy environment. 🌿 Environmental justice is deeply intertwined with human rights. Access to clean water, air, and safe, unpolluted spaces is vital for the well-being and dignity of all people. 🌊💧 We believe that tackling pollution and protecting natural ecosystems is not just an environmental issue but a fundamental human right. 💧 More than 2 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water, putting them at risk of waterborne diseases. 🐢 Around 8 million tons of plastic enter our oceans every year, harming marine life and contaminating ecosystems. 🌬️ 7 million people die each year from air pollution-related diseases, making clean air essential for health and survival. From plastic-free initiatives to sustainable practices, we are committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of background or location, has the right to a safe and sustainable environment. Let's unite for a future where clean environments and human rights go hand in hand. 💚 #humanrightsday #environmentaljustice #cleanenvironment #sustainablefuture #thinkocean #humanrights #climateaction

Water is life 💧🌍, yet millions around the globe face challenges accessing clean water. Polluted waterways not only harm ecosystems but also jeopardize human health and livelihoods. At Think Ocean, we understand that clean waterways are the foundation for thriving communities and biodiversity. When rivers and oceans are choked with plastic and toxic waste, their ability to support life diminishes. Beyond the visible trash lies an even greater threat: microplastics. These tiny particles make their way into our food, water, and air, impacting everything from marine species to human health. Education is key to reversing this crisis. By spreading awareness about the importance of clean waterways and taking collective action, we can turn the tide on water pollution. Let’s pledge to protect these vital lifelines for a sustainable future. 🌊🌱 #CleanWaterways #WaterIsLife #ThinkOcean #CommunityEmpowerment #PlasticFreeFuture #ActNow #Sustainability #ProtectOurPlanet #OceanHealth #TogetherForChange

This week, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) begins historic hearings on States' legal obligations to combat climate change, marking a pivotal moment in the global climate justice movement. This is the largest case ever brought before the ICJ, initiated by small island developing States like Vanuatu, which are among the most vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather. These hearings aim to clarify international law on climate responsibilities and establish accountability for inaction. At stake are not only the rights of current generations but also those of future ones, as climate change continues to threaten lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems worldwide. Why is this important? This case has the potential to create a stronger framework for climate accountability, ensuring that countries prioritize action over empty pledges. It amplifies the voices of the most affected nations and could drive fairer solutions, such as compensation for historic climate damage. Advisory opinions like this, while non-binding, carry significant moral authority and can influence global policies, litigation, and multilateral negotiations. As António Guterres said, the guidance from this case could lead to the bold action our planet urgently needs. At Think Ocean CIC, we see firsthand how climate change is devastating marine ecosystems, from coral bleaching to rising sea levels that threaten coastal communities. It impacts our efforts to protect oceans, educate communities, and promote sustainable practices. These hearings represent a critical step toward holding nations accountable and ensuring the preservation of our oceans and the livelihoods they sustain. Together, we must act decisively to protect the heart of our planet—the ocean. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g7hhxq8E #climateaction #climatejustice #sustainability #oceans #climatechange