Earth’s oxygen comes from the ocean – not trees.

Forests and rainforests are often called the “lungs of the Earth,” but they’re not the primary source of the oxygen we breathe. Some estimates suggest they contribute around 28% of the global oxygen supply.

The real champions are phytoplankton – microscopic organisms that float near the ocean’s surface and use sunlight to produce oxygen through photosynthesis, much like plants on land. These marine organisms generate at least 50% of Earth’s oxygen, making the ocean a true powerhouse of planetary respiration.

It’s also important to note that much of the oxygen we breathe today comes from a long-term reservoir in the atmosphere – built up over hundreds of millions of years by both land plants and ocean life.

So next time you take a deep breath, remember: it’s not just the trees; it’s the vast, blue engine of life covering most of our planet. 💙