Changes to the climate, brought about by increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, are causing serious disruptions in the oceans, such as rising sea levels, warmer water temperatures, ocean acidification and coral bleaching, which will put marine ecosystems and coastal communities at risk.

“The adverse effects of climate change are now becoming apparent in marine environments all over the world. Immediate mitigation, protection, restoration and adaptation actions are needed,” said Taif Mohammad Al Amiri, Director of Government Communication Department at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. “We wanted to shed light on these issues in the #ActionforOceans campaign with Lush.”

“The UAE is home to many distinct marine species, such as green turtles, hawksbill turtles and dugongs. Our efforts in the field of marine environment conservation are three-fold and include: protection from pollution due to oil and other harmful materials, protection of marine environment ecosystems, and strengthening our ability to withstand and adapt the impacts of climate change,” Al Amiri added.

In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reducing or preventing the impact of greenhouse gas emissions is a critical first step. Leveraging greener systems with energy efficient properties can significantly mitigate the effects of climate change.

The campaign aims to engage with the public and disseminate knowledge on the different ways in which we can protect marine ecosystems through the hashtag #ActionforOceans.

“It is a pleasure to collaborate with MOCCAE that shares the same passions as Lush with regard to protecting the environment and marine life,” said Anita Baker, Lush MENA Director. “As we continue to expand in the Middle East, we are keen to highlight issues that correspond with our ethics and initiate conversations in order to make a change.”