Sea has a very important role in controlling Earth's climate by transferring heat from the equator toward the poles. Without the role of the ocean, then almost the entire planet Earth would be too cold for humans to live. Sea is also a source of food, energy (both renewable and nonrenewable), and drugs. The coastal area is also a very large role for human life. Nearly 60% of the inhabitants of Earth live in the area around the beach.
As we know, more than 70% part of the planet Earth is covered by water (which is mostly ocean). Sea water is continuously moving around the Earth in a very large belt flow is commonly referred to as the global conveyor belt, moving from the surface into the ocean and back again to the surface. Wind, sea water salinity and temperature control the global flow of this belt. Belt this flow which acts to move the heat energy emitted by the Sun to Earth. The movement of sea water in a belt around the Earth global flow requires a very long time which is about 1000 years.This movement can be divided into two parts, namely:
1. circulation generated by differences in seawater density, where the density of sea water depends on temperature and salinity rates. Circulation is commonly referred to as the thermohaline circulation (from the word meaning thermo haline and thermal energy, which means salt).
2. circulation generated by surface winds that cause the ocean surface currents. One example of the currents generated by wind is the Gulf Stream currents.
Oceans also play capture the carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere in a very large number. About a quarter of CO2 produced by man from the burning of fossil fuels is absorbed and stored in the oceans. In some parts of the ocean, the CO2 can be stored up to a centuries-old and a very large role in reducing global warming.
Because once the importance of the ocean for human life, then it is a human duty to keep guard. The ability of the ocean to absorb CO2 is reduced if many damaged marine ecosystems such as the destruction of coral reefs and mangrove forests. The coral reef is like home away from home for sea creatures. Similarly, mangrove forests, is home to makhluk2 marine life near the beach. Without coral reefs and mangrove forests, marine ecosystems slowly survival would be threatened so the source of seafood that can be obtained by the fishermen would be much reduced. Many things have resulted in the destruction of mangrove forests and coral reefs, among others, the opening of large-scale farming areas, fishing with poison and environmental pollution.
If coral reefs and mangrove forests have been destroyed, to be able to rehabilitate takes a very long time and no small cost. For that let us both to preserve our environment and maintaining it with a full sense of responsibility.