Today, 8 June, we celebrate World Ocean Day. It is difficult to fully capture the importance, both material and immaterial, that this vast expanse of saltwater covering 70% of the planet’s surface since such a long time ago. This landmark was officially launched in 2008 by the United Nations to protect our blue planet.
The ocean is a source of life and prosperity, as well as an enormous carbon sink and a steadfast ally in mitigating the impact of climate change on our lives.
It plays host to an ecosystem diversity that we are only just beginning to comprehend, a fact that only serves to increase its vulnerability; after all, that which remains unknown and unnamed cannot be protected.
This is precisely why initiatives such as World Ocean Day are so crucial. As Dekota Mark, coordinator for this 2026, explains: “World Ocean Day is more than a once-a-year celebration, it’s an opportunity to build momentum and strengthen commitment to protecting these vital yet all too often out-of-sight, out-of-mind marine ecosystems.”
You may have noticed a small detail: throughout, we have referred to the ocean as a single entity, rather than as a collection of oceans. This is not a typo, but a deliberate choice on our part.
Because, as the ‘World Ocean Day’ initiative itself states, there is only one ocean – one living, connected system that powers our climate, sustains life, and unites us all. It seems like a minor tweak, doesn’t it? Removing a single letter. Yet, more often than not, small changes have the potential to shift everything. In this case, the message reminds us of something profoundly important: we are all connected, “and when we come together, especially across generations and political boundaries, as global citizens, we have the power to lead the change our ocean, and our world, needs.”
At ASTERISK, we value the importance of the ocean, not only as a home to hundreds of thousands of species, but as a guarantor of energy transition.
That is why our project uses seawater to produce 100% green hydrogen from renewable sources. Our aim is to enable remote locations, such as islands, to generate their own energy in the future, ensuring everyone has access to this essential resource.
As we explain in our animation, “we contemplate a total transformation of the energy model with ethics and sustainability at the forefront. A future where everyone’s on board.”
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