In addition to the famous impacts of atmospheric carbon on global warming, there is an equally worrisome effect of carbon dioxide on the oceans: ocean acidification (or OA for short). Here at I2SEA we have a series of resources about OA, including Our Acidifying Ocean, which is an introductory activity and virtual lab (note: now mobile compatible!).
A student suggested that we start a conversation topic about OA, and here it is! Have you heard about Ocean Acidification? If so, are you worried about it? How do you think we can best raise awareness about it among your fellow students and the general public? Have you seen particularly good links or films about OA that you would like to share? What are you doing to address the problem?
Ocean Acidification >
Are you worried about ocean acidification? If so, why?
Ocean acidification is decreasing the pH level in the ocean, making it more acidic. This comes from CO2 pollution. The CO2 comes from burning fossil fuels, like gasoline. This acidification is breaking the shells, skin and scales of sea creatures. If the pH gets even lower, it might start killing sea creatures in mass amounts. The people who go in the ocean a lot will start getting really hurt from the acidic water. Ocean acidification also impacts the economy, because a lot of people in the world sell fish as a job. This is why I am worried about ocean acidification.