Marine Conservation
The ocean is a total powerhouse when it comes to regulating the Earth’s climate - it stores carbon, generates oxygen, houses marine species and is a source of food and income for billions of people. Yet pollution, global warming and overfishing have wreaked havoc on marine ecosystems.
It’s estimated that 8 million macro and micro pieces of plastic are released into our oceans every day, killing 100,000 marine mammals and 1 million seabirds every year. Some estimates predict more than 90% of the ocean's top predators were wiped out in the last 55 years and 30% of coral reefs have been killed. Furthermore, the availability of fish has already started declining, with climate-induced losses reaching highs of 35% in the North Sea.
It is crucial we act to protect our oceans by securing marine protected areas, by revolutionising how we fish and by working with governments to improve environmental legislation.
2 Selected Charities
Tythe supports these Marine Conservation charities, selected by analysts at Giving is Great because of their high impact.
Blue Marine Foundation
·Bold, innovative and on a mission, Blue Marine Foundation plays a monumental role in ocean conservation.
A terrifying combination of climate change, pollution and overfishing are having catastrophic consequences for marine life and the ocean's ability to capture carbon. But Blue Marine Foundation are adamant - this problem is solvable.
The organisation is unique because it comes at the issue from all angles. By working top-down with governments, they're able to improve the governance of our seas and secure marine protected areas. And by working bottom-up with fisher communities, they've been able to develop and implement models for sustainable fishing practices.
Why we think they're great
These folks are unrelenting and that's how they get things done. By fronting legal challenges, through worldwide education initiatives and through ground-breaking research projects, they're restoring our ocean to health.
To date, they've set up 21 project locations around the world and have secured commitments to protect over 4 million square kilometres of ocean. Next up on their to-do list? To see at least 30% of the world's ocean under effective protection by 2030 and the other 70% managed in a responsible way.
Surfers Against Sewage
·SAS started as a group of outraged surfers and swimmers campaigning to protect our oceans from sewage pollution. But over the years it's grown into a nationwide movement of eco-activists working to clean up our oceans and rivers.
By pushing for better environmental legislation and by putting pressure on politicians, SAS has drastically improved the quality of UK waters - 99% of designated bathing waters around the UK are now classified as "sufficiently hygienic", up from 27% in 1990.
Furthermore, the charity is dedicated to empowering local communities to take action. Through organised beach and river cleans, and by encouraging people to demand change from local politicians, they're making a difference on a much larger scale. There are now over 700 communities across the country that are working towards becoming plastic-free.
Why we think they're great
Although this charity has evolved significantly since its inception in the 90s, its passion, character and optimism are all still there. These are real people making a real difference and that's inspiring.
Further Reading
Other selected causes:
💨 Carbon Reduction
If we want to sustain life on this planet we need to cut our carbon emissions, while also dealing with the excess of carbon in our atmosphere already wreaking havoc on our climate. Science is leading the way in this field and there are some exciting innovations.
🐋 Marine Conservation
The ocean is a total powerhouse when it comes to regulating the Earth’s climate, yet human actions have wreaked havoc on marine ecosystems. In order to rebalance our planet, we must protect our oceans and revolutionise the way we fish, the world over.
🌲 Forest Conservation
Forests are home to 80% of terrestrial biodiversity and store vast quantities of carbon, but 75,000 acres are being destroyed every day by logging, poaching and agriculture.
🌞 Climate Resilience
Poverty and climate change are cruelly interlinked and this is especially true when you look at access to clean energy and water. Projects that champion clean energy solutions and which work to create climate-resilient communities are an integral part of the fight to save our planet.
🥕 Food & Agriculture
Food, agriculture and the climate crisis are inextricably linked. Fortunately there are sustainable food organisations and forward thinking farmers out there fighting for positive change. These are the people we need to get behind.
📚 Education & Advocacy
Don’t underestimate the power of a well informed public - this puts pressure on governments and businesses, and that drives change. These organisations are enabling systemic change among the mainstream by educating and challenging the status quo.
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