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How much would it cost to buy the ocean? - Astrid J. Hsu

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Exploring our Oceans

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Surveying his vast domain, Poseidon considers retirement. What if someone else donned the coral crown so he could spend his immortality harmonizing with whales and cozying up to hydrothermal vents? Poseidon decides he needs to prioritize himself for once. So, he summons his accountant and asks: how much could he sell the ocean for? Astrid J. Hsu conducts a financial analysis of our oceans’ worth.

Some of the ocean’s assets are hard to quantify— for example, the oxygen it provides. What are other “hard-to-quantify” assets that weren’t deeply discussed?

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About Exploring our Oceans

Exploring our Oceans offers insight into the scientific marvels of the marine world, and the part you can play in uncovering the ocean's mysteries and safeguarding its future. From biology to physics to engineering, understanding our oceans involves a multitude of scientific approaches. Dive into our curated videos and supporting lesson materials, and find out how you can be a part of it all.

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  • Video created by TED-Ed
  • Lesson Plan created by Luka Seamus Wright

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