Oxygen: the key to life itself. No human could survive here on Earth without it, but very few of us know where it comes from. While many sing the praises of photosynthesizing plants for providing oxygen to the world, there is another group of organisms that supplies more than 50% of the oxygen in the atmosphere: whales.

Whales, especially large genera such as the sperm and baleen whales, are the foundation of both marine ecosystems and those on dry land. Most importantly for us, these whales absorb tons of carbon from the atmosphere and induce the production of oxygen gas within the ocean, feeding the atmosphere with breathable gas. Marine biologists found that whales can accumulate around 33 tons of carbon dioxide in their bodies throughout their lives, and keep that carbon inside their bodies for years after their death—removing this overabundant gas from our atmosphere and slowing global warming. Additionally, the phytoplankton that live off of whales’ waste and warmth are mass synthesizers of oxygen, which is eventually released into the air, making whales true atmospheric heroes. 

Unfortunately, with the constant whaling, overfishing, and aquatic construction taking place throughout the world’s oceans, whales are in danger. Their populations have been rapidly declining, and as whale numbers dwindle, the atmospheric benefits they provide dwindle with them. If we aren’t careful, human activity will damage both ocean ecosystems and the air we breathe.

With every breath we take, we should thank a whale for helping provide it. The best way to do that is to work together to stop human actions that harm them, and try to restore balance to ocean ecosystems. We should all make sure to appreciate whales for being our biggest supporters here on Earth.