Global Call to Save World’s Oceans | Gist of Rajya Sabha TV / RSTV (now Sansad TV) - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

Oceans and Sustainability highlights the critical role of oceans in sustaining life on Earth, addressing their contributions to biodiversity, climate regulation, food security, and cultural heritage. Presented against the backdrop of the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, the discussion features Professor Pen Vine Chandran from the Indian Institute of Science and Mr. Manish Bhaskar Assodkar from The Energy and Resources Institute. They explore pressing threats like climate change, plastic pollution, and overfishing, alongside India’s science-driven leadership in ocean governance and the global push for sustainability through the UN Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030).

Key Developments

• Global Platform: The 2025 UN Ocean Conference unites over 150 countries to address ocean challenges and promote sustainable management.
• India’s Contributions: Investments in oceanographic research, including the Deep Ocean Mission, enhance weather forecasting, disaster management, and deep-sea exploration.
• Plastic Pollution Crisis: India, a major contributor to ocean plastic waste, is adopting innovative technologies like satellite surveillance to tackle leakage.

Expert Insights

Professor Chandran and Mr. Assodkar provide in-depth perspectives on ocean challenges and India’s strategic responses:

Oceanic Challenges

• Climate Impacts: Rising ocean temperatures and marine heatwaves threaten biodiversity, fisheries, and food security.
• Plastic Pollution: India’s high plastic waste output, carried through rivers to oceans, endangers marine ecosystems and human health.
• Biodiversity Loss: Overfishing and habitat degradation push marine ecosystems toward collapse, requiring urgent action.

India’s Scientific Leadership

• Research Investments: Tools like HF radars, Doppler profilers, and robotic instruments support monsoon prediction and cyclone preparedness.
• Deep Ocean Mission: Manned submersibles and international collaborations like the International Indian Ocean Expedition advance deep-sea research.
• Plastic Mitigation: Satellite and drone surveillance, paired with AI, identify and address plastic leakage hotspots.

Governance and Education

• Inclusive Approach: Engaging communities, indigenous groups, and private sectors ensures sustainable ocean policies.
• Education Gap: Expanding oceanography programs is critical to build a skilled workforce for future ocean stewardship.

Highlights

• Oceans’ Vital Role: Cover 75% of Earth, supporting biodiversity, climate, and livelihoods.
• Climate Threats: Warming seas and heatwaves disrupt marine ecosystems and fisheries.
• UN Decade of Ocean Science: Promotes global cooperation for sustainable ocean use (2021-2030).
• Plastic Crisis: India’s high waste contribution demands innovative waste management.
• India’s Innovations: Deep Ocean Mission and advanced monitoring tools lead global efforts.
• Inclusive Governance: Multi-stakeholder collaboration drives sustainable solutions.
• Education Need: Expanding ocean science training is essential for future challenges.

Strategic Implications

The discussion underscores key insights for ocean conservation and India’s role in global efforts:

• Oceans as Earth’s Lifeblood: Oceans regulate climate, produce oxygen, and sustain 99% of Earth’s living space, making their health critical for global ecosystems and human survival.
• Climate Change’s Oceanic Toll: Warming temperatures and marine heatwaves disrupt fisheries and ecosystems, necessitating integrated climate and ocean conservation strategies.
• Science-Driven Governance: India’s investments in observational tools and data analytics enhance weather forecasting, disaster resilience, and evidence-based policymaking.
• Regional Complexity: The Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal’s distinct dynamics require tailored conservation approaches informed by local oceanographic research.
• Plastic Pollution Mitigation: Technologies like AI and satellite monitoring address India’s significant plastic waste contribution, targeting leakage from rivers to oceans.
• Collaborative Governance: Involving coastal communities, indigenous groups, and private sectors fosters practical, inclusive solutions for sustainable ocean use.
• Building Ocean Expertise: Expanding oceanography education is vital to train professionals for research, innovation, and management of complex ocean challenges.

Conclusion

Oceans are a shared global asset facing existential threats from climate change, pollution, and overexploitation. India’s leadership in ocean science, through initiatives like the Deep Ocean Mission and advanced monitoring technologies, positions it as a key player in global conservation efforts. By fostering inclusive governance, addressing plastic pollution, and expanding educational capacity, India can drive sustainable blue economic growth, ensuring ocean health for future generations.