The oceans are essential to life on Earth: they provide 50% of the oxygen we breathe, thanks to photosynthesis by phytoplankton. Oceans are also true “carbon pumps”: they absorb about 30% of global CO2 emissions, which makes them indispensable to the fight against climate change.

It has long been known that solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a carcinogen, especially UVB. Sunlight is composed of several light waves including ‘invisible’ light with 3 types of UV at different wavelengths. Solar radiation breaks down into three families: ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR) and visible light. If the infrared are not insignificant (heat, insolation, which penetrate to the hypodermis …), they do not burn the skin. It is better to focus on ultraviolet A, B and C. UVA penetrate deep into the skin, can cause skin changes, photo aging, collagen degradation, elastin … UVC are the most dangerous but are normally completely stopped by the ozone layer.

UVB penetrates only the superficial layers of the skin. However, their activities are very strong. They are responsible for tanning but also sunburn (erythema), they burn. In addition to activating melanin, they produce high doses of free radicals, accelerate skin aging and disrupt the production of collagen and elastin. They are also the leading cause of skin cancer in the broad sense.

Globally, it is estimated that 20% of the reefs and associated ecosystems have been irretrievably destroyed in recent decades due to anthropogenic and natural pressures. Of the remaining 80%, only 30% would be in satisfactory condition.

We produce an average of 300 million tonnes of plastic a year and it is estimated that between 8 and 12 million tonnes end up in our oceans – the equivalent of a garbage truck every minute. The most common marine debris consists of plastic and synthetic materials that have disastrous effects on marine life and seabirds.