Caring for the ocean starts by taking the right steps on land
After its first edition in 2021, this summer the Ocean Conservation project developed by DAN Europe is back on the streets.
Here is everything you should know.
Why CO2 matters
Climate change is not the only consequence of excess CO2 emissions. Marine ecosystems are also severely affected, and not only by rising temperatures.
The Ocean has the capacity to absorb CO2 from the environment. When excess CO2 dissolves in seawater, it causes an acidity increase. This is known as Ocean Acidification.
This phenomenon, coupled with other human factors, is impacting many ocean species, especially organisms like oysters and corals. We must drastically reduce our CO2 emissions if we want to maintain a healthy ocean and a planet fit for our survival.
Watch the following 2-minute explanatory video:
D(r)iving for Ocean Conservation
To raise awareness, DAN Europe Ambassadors Manu Bustelo and Alana Alvarez are travelling in an 100% electric vehicle, recharging it only with renewable energy (thanks to IONITY), meeting with stakeholders and the entire diving community to —literally— drive the change we all need.
The Sustainable Tour is an environmental education project created by DAN Europe which seeks to inform the population about the close relationship between excess CO2 emissions and Ocean Acidification.
Only with widespread knowledge of this information will it be possible to support marine planning decisions and future policy adaptations.
This summer it is UK and Ireland’s turn!
In 2021 the Sustainable Tour travelled 25,000 km carrying its message through 17 European countries.
From July to September 2022, DAN Europe Ambassadors will travel the length and breadth of the British and Irish territory, visiting some 50 dive centres and other interested parties.
They want as many divers as possible to join them to learn more about the topic and explore ways in which the community can work together to solve or monitor the global problem.
The programme includes:
- Conferences: “The link between Climate Change and Ocean Acidification”
- Special activities with prizes: “DAN Europe by the sea” social media contest
- Meetings with national and global Ocean Acidification Networks to explore how the water sports community can assist in monitoring this major marine threat.
“DAN Europe by the Sea” social media contest
Divers (and non divers) who encounter the #SUSTour EV will be able to enter an Instagram competition, in which they could win various prizes from the Partners, including:
- Diving courses — PADI
- UW cameras — Paralenz
- Diving gear — Fourth Element
- Paddle-boards — BlueFinSUP
Guidelines are found by scanning the QR code below or clicking here.
Stay tuned and join us along the way as we meet stakeholders and the whole diving community to boost the change our oceans need!