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 >
Ocean Acidification
I am worried about ocean acidification. According to Smithsonian, “during the last great acidification event 55 million years ago, there were mass extinctions in some species including deep sea invertebrates.” (1) For example, animals in Antarctica are so used to being in the cold water. Since the oceans are getting warmer, the animals have no place to go. The animals are already so used to being in the cold waters it could take 100s even thousands of years according to NBC News (2). The clams shells are getting destroyed. This doesn’t sound like a big problem but according to Action for the Climate Emergency 1 in 7 people get most of their protein from fish. (3)