OCean Issues

"If Earth's climate gets hotter it will be bad but we'll adjust, because that's what humans do.

We evolve.

But the Ocean, as we know it, is dying; and if the Ocean dies... we all die. Because this planet cannot sustain life with a dead ocean."

- Rabbi Ed Rosenthal

why is the ocean so important to our every day life?

The Ocean isn’t just something we visit on vacation—it is essential for human life every single day, even if you live far from a coast. Here are some important reasons the Ocean matters more than most people realize:

Produces Most of the Oxygen You Breathe

One of the Ocean’s most extraordinary roles is producing most of the oxygen that makes life on Earth possible. Tiny organisms known as phytoplankton use sunlight and carbon dioxide to create energy, releasing oxygen in the process. In fact, scientists estimate that the ocean generates between 50%-70% of the world’s oxygen, meaning that every second breath you take is produced by the Sea. Protecting the Ocean is not just about conserving nature. It is directly tied to protecting the very air that sustains us.

Regulates the Planet’s Climate

The Ocean also acts as the planet’s natural climate regulator. It absorbs the vast majority of excess heat created by greenhouse gases, preventing temperatures on land from rising even more dramatically. Powerful currents circulate warm and cool water across the globe, helping stabilize weather patterns and making many regions habitable. Without this vast buffering system, climate extremes would be far more severe, reshaping where and how we could live.

Helps Feed the World

The Ocean also plays a critical role in feeding the world. Billions of people rely on seafood as a primary source of protein, while millions depend on ocean-based industries for their livelihoods. Healthy marine ecosystems support stable food supplies and stronger coastal economies, underscoring the deep connection between ocean health and human well-being.

Drives the Water Cycle

The Ocean is also the engine behind the global water cycle. Most of the evaporation that forms clouds and eventually becomes rain or snow begins over the Sea. Every lake, river, and reservoir is connected to this vast system. Simply stated, without a healthy ocean, the freshwater resources we rely on would be drastically diminished.

Supports Mental Health and Well-Being

Beyond its physical benefits, the Ocean nurtures something less measurable but equally as important: our sense of well-being. People across cultures feel drawn to the water, and research shows that time spent near it can reduce stress, elevate mood, and restore mental clarity. The Ocean does not just help us survive; it helps us to thrive. It helps us feel grounded, connected, and renewed.

Water & JudaIsm

בְּרֵאשִׁית בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים אֵת הַשָּׁמַיִם וְאֵת הָאָֽרֶץ: וְהָאָרֶץ הָֽיְתָה תֹהוּ וָבֹהוּ וְחשֶׁךְ עַל־פְּנֵי תְהוֹם וְרוּחַ אֱלֹהִים מְרַחֶפֶת עַל־ פְּנֵי הַמָּֽיִם “In the beginning, God created the Heaven and the Earth. And the Earth was without form and void and darkness was upon the face of the Deep, and the Spirit of God was on the Water.” Genesis 1:1-2 According to the Torah, Water preceded everything in Creation, but there was darkness on the face of the deep. Today, there is still darkness upon the face of the deep. The difference is that the darkness today was not created by the hand of God. The darkness on the deep today is created by the hand of Man. As Jews, we are commanded by our tradition to be Stewards of the Earth. בְּשָׁעָה שֶׁבָּרָא הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא אֶת אָדָם הָרִאשׁוֹן, נְטָלוֹ וְהֶחֱזִירוֹ עַל כָּל אִילָנֵי גַּן עֵדֶן, וְאָמַר לוֹ, רְאֵה מַעֲשַׂי כַּמָּה נָאִים וּמְשֻׁבָּחִין הֵן, וְכָל מַה שֶּׁבָּרָאתִי בִּשְׁבִילְךָ בָּרָאתִ, תֵּן דַּעְתְּךָ שֶׁלֹא תְקַלְקֵל וְתַחֲרִיב אֶת עוֹלָמִי, שֶׁאִם קִלְקַלְתָּ אֵין מִי שֶׁיְתַקֵּן אַחֲרֶיךָ Kohelet Rabbah 7:13 In the hour when God created Adam, God took him and let him pass before all the trees in the Garden of Eden and said to him: “See my works, how fine and excellent they are! Now, all that I have created, I have created for you. Think upon this, and do not spoil and destroy My world. For if you do, there will be no one to set it right after you.” The Torah was given to Humans. Humans are terrestrial beings. Therefore, we erroneously believe that Mitzvot addressing our responsibility to the environment pertain only to the terrestrial environment. However, our responsibility as stewards of the environment does not apply just to the land on which we live. It applies to the blue water on which we rely as well. This section is intended to educate on the many anthropogenic threats facing the Aquatic Environment, add Jewish context for each of the issues, and provide concrete actions that individuals can take to make a difference.