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 >
Why you should be concerned with ocean acidification.
Ocean acidification should absolutely be a topic that people should be informed about. This is an issue plaguing the world's oceanic populations and ecosystems. Due to human’s large amounts of carbon dioxide emissions, we have raised the ocean’s acidity level and negatively impacted the wildlife and environment of marine life. The hard shells of these marine creatures are becoming thinner and thinner with time. The animals with increasingly thinner shells are direct food sources for larger animals, which in turn disrupts the entire ecosystem. The ocean has had roughly around a 30 percent increase in acidification due to harmful emissions of greenhouse gasses.
I agree with your opinion about Ocean Acidifications. More people should definitely be aware of the mass CO2 emission that humans are generating each year, and how the incitement has escalated hazardously to the condition of the ocean. Prior to the causes of which humans have provoked contemporary, are saddening consequences. Particularly within the organism that lies below the surface of the ocean and reefs. Unfortunately, most don't realize how much this erupts collateral obstruction towards the radical equilibrium, food chain, and the biodiversity's initial way of life.