Running for the Ocean

Because every other breath you take comes from the Ocean

My love for the Ocean started at a young age. I remember being about 4 years old in the early 1970s and collecting wildlife cards which came with a weekly magazine. I was fascinated by the diverse range of animals, the ability of some of them to thrive miles from the surface and the fact that so many looked even stranger than the aliens from outer space dreamt up in science fiction.

I particularly loved whales and dolphins, the fact that the blue whale is the largest animal which has ever lived and how so many of the 94 species were so intelligent. One species stood out - the Baiji or Yangtze River Dolphin. It was so pretty but the picture made it look so vulnerable. I remember the moment in 2017 when for some reason, the Baiji sprung into my mind. I knew the Yangtze, like many rivers had transformed and I wondered how the Baiji had coped. I was devastated to find it hadn't and in 2006 had become the first dolphin species driven to extinction by human activity. I cried.

I had worked for a long time in the healthcare sector including in sustainability, but the Ocean just wasn't given the voice it needed so a few of use formed a group, Healthcare Ocean. After years of advocating, writing and speaking at conferences, I became aware that I wasn't always speaking to the right people, and I needed to find another way. I was therefore delighted when in 2024, my daughter Lucy introduced me to the wonders of the parkrun, and it was then I realised there was a way to reach people every Saturday morning. All I needed was something which stood out.

So, in honour of the extinct Baiji, I decided to dress as a dolphin and run for the Ocean. I do it for two reasons. The first is so I can educate a little when people ask me 'why' and the second, is simply to make people smile.

To learn more about 'why', please read on below.

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Running for the Ocean

How inappropriate to call this planet Earth when it is quite clearly Ocean - Authur C Clarke.

The Ocean

The Ocean is an incredible 322 million cubic miles of water - 97% of the water found on the planet. It covers 71% of the Earth's surface, provides 99% of its living space and is home to 80% of all biodiversity. The Ocean produces half of Earth's oxygen and absorbs 90% of the excess heat generated through global warming. Despite our health and survival being dependent upon the Ocean, it is the least invested in Global Goal and receives just 1% of global climate finance. Only 8% of the Ocean is covered by some form of marine protection.13

The Ocean

Ocean dependencies

Carbon and climate

The Ocean absorbs 30% of the carbon dioxide we produce and stores 50 times more carbon than the atmosphere. Over recent decades however, its capacity has been overwhelmed resulting in Ocean acidification which impacts upon many species including corals and shell producing animals. Giant conveyor belts of water circulate around the planet creating the conditions in the Ocean and on land for life to thrive. Melting ice at the poles may have a dramatic impact on these processes which, if they progress, may affect global climate and more local weather systems.

Carbon and climate

Ocean dependencies

Food, livelihoods, physical and mental health

A process called Primary Production uses carbon dioxide and sunlight for photosynthesis which not only produces oxygen but forms the basis of the entire marine food chain which feeds billions of animals including ourselves. Overfishing coupled with the impacts of climate change are threatening this essential source of food. Thriving fisheries enable livelihoods to be made whilst healthy coastal regions are good for our physical/mental health and the tourism industry. Pollution and harmful algae blooms can threaten these activities and pose a risk to human health and wellbeing.

Food, livelihoods, physical and mental health

Ocean dependencies

Supply chains and renewable energy

90% of all goods including essentials like food and healthcare equipment are delivered by container ships which traverse the Ocean. 11 billion tonnes of cargo worth $14 trillion dollars are shipped each year on huge vessels, the biggest of which is longer than the Empire State Building is tall. Climate-related extreme weather events and geopolitical tension can interrupt these supply chains. The Ocean is also a vast source of renewable energy arising from waves, tides, ocean currents, and temperature differences. The efficiency of operations can be threatened from both extreme weather and the impacts of a changing climate on wave energy and sea levels.

Supply chains and renewable energy

Ocean dependencies

Medicines and the internet

Many fixed and slow-moving Ocean floor (benthic) species generate chemical defences against predators. These chemicals, coded by unique genes, have been utilised to develop numerous drugs for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. And if all that isn't enough to stimulate interest in the Ocean, sub-sea fibreoptic cables handle 99% of our internet data. These cables are vulnerable to changes in sea levels, increased storm intensity and coastal erosion all of which are more likely as climate change progresses.

Medicines and the internet

How do humans impact the Ocean?

We are all connected to the Ocean through our everyday activities from the carbon dioxide we produce which warms the planet and acidifies the Ocean to most of what we buy that is delivered on container ships. The chemicals used on agricultural land, the pharmaceuticals we take, the sunscreens we use, tyre wear from the cars we drive (including EVs) and plastic all have an impact. Every sink, drain and toilet eventually connects to the Ocean with more than 80% of global wastewater flowing into the Ocean untreated.

How do humans impact the Ocean?

What is happening to the Ocean because of human activity?

The Ocean was always thought too big to fail but despite its immense size, it is now changing fast. Greenhouse gases and climate change are causing the Ocean to warm, becoming more acidic and hold less oxygen. Coupled with rising pollution from chemicals, plastic and underwater noise from ships and industrial operations, it is becoming an increasingly inhospitable environment for all species from the smallest plankton to the biggest whales. Over 90% of Pacific Leatherback Turtles have been lost in just a few decades. The Ocean is in trouble and when the Ocean gets sick, we get sick too.

What is happening to the Ocean because of human activity?

How can I learn more to help the Ocean?

Education and communication are essential to inspire action which is why I developed a free-to-use, not-for-profit website called CPDmatch. CPDmatch signposts individuals and organisations to educational resources to improve their climate and environmental literacy.

Whilst primarily focussing on educating the healthcare industry, the content is relevant to anyone interested in minimising harm and restoring the planet to a healthy condition.

We actively seek out free online courses, conferences, webinars and publications to make the education as accessible as possible.

Register with CPDmatch

Other subjects on CPDmatch which are connected to the Ocean

  • Food, nutrition and fresh water
    Food, nutrition and fresh water
    Show education
  • Staying healthy and caring at home
    Staying healthy and caring at home
    Show education
  • Nature and the biosphere
    Nature and the biosphere
    Show education

So why are you dressed as a dolphin?

Firstly, because I want everyone to understand that every other breath we take, including during a parkrun, comes from the Ocean. We are all connected to the Ocean in everything we do and our health is dependent upon a healthy Ocean. Secondly, because the world is a bit of a crazy place, I just want to make people smile.
Northern ECHO July 9th, 2025

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