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From tourists at the beach to desert desalination plants, and from data cables on the seafloor to fishing communities the ocean impacts everyone. It is also one of the world’s most powerful risk multipliers. The ocean regulates climate, carries 80% of global trade, supplies freshwater and food, enables communications, sustains livelihoods and underpins a fast‑growing blue economy. To ignore the ocean is therefore not just to miss a crucial sustainability target it is to misread the global risk landscape……Continue reading….
By: Madeleine North
Source: World Economic Forum
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Critics:
Living near the ocean or spending time in a coastal climate can have several health benefits, although it’s important not to overstate them. The benefits come from a combination of environmental, physical, and psychological factors. Coastal areas often have lower levels of air pollution than large cities. Ocean breezes can help disperse pollutants, and sea air contains tiny saltwater particles that some people find soothing for their airways.
People with certain respiratory conditions may feel better in cleaner coastal air, though the effect varies by individual. Many coastal regions have milder temperatures because the ocean absorbs and releases heat more slowly than land. This can mean: Fewer extreme heat events,,Less severe cold weather and Reduced stress on the body from temperature extremes.
Beaches, coastal trails, and waterfronts often make it easier and more enjoyable to:Walk,Run,Swim,Cycle,Participate in water sports. Regular physical activity is one of the strongest predictors of long-term health. Research suggests that spending time in “blue spaces” (areas with visible water) can: Reduce stress,Improve mood,Promote relaxation and Increase feelings of well-being.
The sound of waves, open horizons, and natural scenery can have calming psychological effects. People in coastal environments often spend more time outdoors. Moderate sun exposure helps the body produce vitamin D, which is important for bone health and immune function. However, excessive sun exposure increases skin cancer risk, so sun protection remains important.
The combination of physical activity, natural light exposure, cooler evening temperatures, and relaxing sounds may help some people sleep better. Overall, the biggest health advantages of ocean climates appear to come from cleaner air, moderate temperatures, opportunities for outdoor activity, and the psychological benefits of being near water, rather than from any special property of the ocean itself.
The moist air near the ocean may reduce dryness of the skin and airways for some individuals. However, high humidity can worsen symptoms for others, particularly those sensitive to mold or heat. The sound of waves and the calming environment of many coastal areas may help some people relax and sleep better. Better sleep is linked to numerous physical and mental health benefits.
Research has found that exposure to “blue spaces” environments dominated by water can reduce stress and improve mental well-being. The sound of waves, open horizons, and natural scenery may help lower anxiety and promote relaxation. Many people report sleeping better near the ocean. This may result from a combination of increased physical activity, reduced stress, cooler temperatures, and exposure to natural daylight, which helps regulate the body’s internal clock.
Ocean climates are not universally beneficial. High humidity can worsen symptoms for some people with asthma, allergies, or certain heart and lung conditions. Coastal areas can also face risks such as storms, flooding, strong UV exposure, and salt-related corrosion of homes and infrastructure. Health benefits often come from the lifestyle associated with coastal living (more outdoor activity, access to nature, reduced stress), not just the ocean itself.
A coastal area can also help if the air is cleaner than where you normally live, because air pollution is known to harm respiratory and cardiovascular health. The WHO notes that major pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide have substantial adverse health impacts.
That said, ocean climate is not automatically “healthy” for everyone. Beaches and sunny coasts bring higher UV exposure, and the CDC says most skin cancers are caused by too much UV light; the WHO also notes UV can cause sunburn and other damage. So the health benefit is less about the ocean itself and more about the mix of fresh air, nature, relaxation, and activity it can encourage.
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