THE ocean covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface and is the largest heat and carbon sink on the planet. It is responsible for every second breath we take and its health is vital to life on Earth, writes Wilkin Beukes-Boulter.

The ocean is a life-support system for the entire global population and the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems will be felt across every element of society, from tourism and trade to health and wellbeing.

The UK seas contain some of the richest and most diverse sea life in the world. However human impacts on the ocean mean that beaches fast being destroyed.

For the past few years, the UK has had a major issue with the pollution with its leading water companies dumping sewage into the water and beaches, making 75% of UK rivers pose a serious threat to human life. Amazing beaches like Weston’s main and Sand Bay are being turned unsafe due to pollution risks and the inability to classify what is even in the water.

62 serious pollution incidents were reported by UK water and sewage companies in 2021 – the highest number since 2013 - and the environmental performance of the UK’s water and sewage companies fell to the lowest level on record in 2021.

Yet, still, despite all of this, the pollution continues.

Water company CEOs took home an eye-watering £16.5 million in the 2021/22 financial year, through all the lawsuits and fines. Until they face consequences for their actions, they will continue to dump sewage and pollution into our rivers.

Is there anything we can do about it? Yes, there is. Go find out what you can about the Surfers Against Sewage movement in your area. Set up petitions at your beaches. Donate to the cause. Start discussing it. If enough people talk about it, the businesses will hear and maybe even change their ways.