Children’s health and the ocean: a vital connection

Human health and well-being, even the health of people who live far from the sea, depend on the health of the ocean. The ocean holds 97% of the world’s water and generates more than half of atmospheric oxygen. It absorbs more than 90% of excess heat released and nearly one-third of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and thus slows climate change.1 It is the principal source of food and nutrition for 40% of the world’s population, including 2 billion children. It is the origin of multiple essential medicines. Interactions with the ocean, coasts and salt marshes—‘blue spaces’—benefit our physical and mental health, social development and spiritual well-being.

Properly and equitably protected, the ocean has the potential to yield even greater benefits in the years ahead: sustainable sources of food, biotechnology, medicines and energy that could safeguard human health and well-being far into the future.

Today, however, the anthropogenic planetary challenges of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss threaten ocean health and the health and well-being of diverse communities, in particular Indigenous communities, children and youth.2 To alert paediatricians to these growing hazards, we explore the intricate links between ocean health and human health; and we highlight the urgent need for paediatricians and other healthcare providers to advocate for policies that will preserve the ocean, protect health and advance the principles and practices of Planetary Health.

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