The ocean produces more oxygen than trees. This is always debatable. Thus, lets look at some facts.

This says primarily due to the activity of phytoplankton, microscopic marine plants that conduct photosynthesis in the Ocean. Phytoplankton, along with other marine plants and algae, contribute to about 50% to 85% of the Earth’s oxygen production. They are highly efficient at converting carbon dioxide into oxygen through photosynthesis due to their vast numbers and the large surface area of the oceans.

The Earth’s oceans cover over 70% of the planet’s surface, providing a massive habitat for phytoplankton. Studies estimate that phytoplankton produce approximately 50% of the global oxygen supply annually. This makes them the largest single source of oxygen on the planet. While terrestrial plants, including trees, are significant oxygen producers, they contribute to the remaining 50% of the oxygen production. Forests and other land-based vegetation convert carbon dioxide into oxygen through photosynthesis, but their global coverage and productivity are less extensive compared to the oceans.

Scientific research supports these findings. A study published in the journal “Nature Geoscience” highlighted the critical role of marine photosynthesis in the global carbon cycle and oxygen production. Research by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA also underscores the substantial oxygen output by phytoplankton.

However, the importance of trees and terrestrial plants should not be understated. Trees play a crucial role in supporting human life and maintaining ecological balance. They act as significant carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and mitigating the effects of climate change. Forests provide habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, support biodiversity, and maintain water cycles by influencing rainfall patterns and preventing soil erosion.

Additionally, trees offer numerous direct benefits to humans. They provide raw materials for construction, paper, and various other products. Trees also have social and health benefits, enhancing urban environments by providing shade, reducing heat island effects, and improving air quality. Exposure to green spaces has been linked to improved mental health and well-being, reducing stress and promoting physical activity.

Therefore, the scientific findings consistently indicate that the ocean, through the activity of phytoplankton, is the dominant contributor to global oxygen production, surpassing the contribution from terrestrial plants and trees. Nonetheless, trees remain vital to human life, contributing to carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and numerous ecosystem services that directly and indirectly support human well-being.