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 >
Water pollution
The large amount of carbon dioxide we produced are being absorb by ocean water which turned into carbonic acid. The carbonic acid can kill life under sea and the coral which some fish live in. Ocean acidification can also damage human health. Ocean acidification damage economy of fisherman because large number of fish are dyeing because ocean acidification. We can solve ocean acidification by limiting our air pollution and reducing our use of fosill fuel. If we don't cut down our use of fossil fuel and air pollution the sea species will start decreasing rapidly.
This is very agreed to by me, and I hope many people can learn to stop polluting water even just by doing something small.
Here are some ways to stop water pollution:
1. Pick up litter and throw it away in a garbage can.
2. Blow or sweep fertilizer back onto the grass if it gets onto paved areas. Don't put fertilizer on the grass right before it rains. The chemicals will wash into storm drains and waterways.
3. Mulch or compost grass or yard waste. Or, leave it in your yard if you can't compost. Don't blow leaves into the street. This clogs and damages storm drains.
4. Wash your car or outdoor equipment where it can flow to a gravel or grassy area instead of a street.
I agree with Wilson, because if we pollute the ocean fish will die. We will run out of seafood and the fishermen will run out of money because they need to sell food.
Our culture and lifestyle depend on the ocean and our natural resources. Pollution not only will affect our ocean life but will also with us as well. Imagine all the microplastics we eat every day. Not only is it sad, it is sickening.
I agree, and I had never heard of carbonic acid, but it makes sense that all of the carbon dioxide that is being produced due to an increase in our population would lead to that. Ocean acidification is a real problem, that we need to do something about, like maybe use electricity whenever possible.
This is a problem that we face but we do need more people to see that the ocean is becoming more acidic. Also, we need to get more renewable energy to take the place of the use of fossil fuels. Without more people seeing this problem there may be no change.