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
Ocean acidification is a change in the pH levels of the ocean water. The change in the ocean water can be detrimental to the species that live in the water. The explanation for ocean acidification is, what scientists have found, the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is being absorbed by the water, causing it to become more acidic.If the pH level of the ocean decreases by even a little, many species living in the water would be in danger and many organisms would die or go extinct. This is a significant event that is happening in our ocean's water daily, and the entire food chain could be disrupted because of it. Some ways we can help our ecosystem and try to manage the amount of ocean acidification in the water is to decrease the amount of CO2 being emitted into the atmosphere. We can do this by consuming less fossil fuels, producing less waste, and taking more than we can handle, like food or gas. Ocean acidification is a consequential issue in our world, and if we don't try to manage it,the changes will be harmful to everyone.