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 topic most don’t know about when it comes to Global Warming, which for the most part, is pretty significant. A good portion of carbon dioxide is absorbed into the ocean. Even though this kind of helps our atmosphere, it is unsuitable for our oceans. The increasing amounts of CO2 in our oceans lead to ocean acidification—the act of the PH of our ocean-going up. Ocean acidification can particularly lead to reefs and shells being unable to form or disintegrate. Ocean acidification has become a severe issue since the oceans increased absorption of CO2 from the atmosphere. As a result, the pH of the water drops, endangering the sort of nearby wildlife and vegetation severely. By making a few easy changes, we can help stop ocean acidification, which is quite significant for all intents and purposes. The amount of carbon in the atmosphere can help be reduced in the first place, which is quite substantial. This generally calls for using less energy and chemicals while also helping to encourage the use of eco-friendly energy sources in a significant way. We can also help by protecting marine life and trying our best not to overfish considerably. We might mostly be able to help our ocean with these steps, or so they thought.
Additionally, it's critical to help lessen ocean pollution and plastic trash because these things could hurt marine life in a preeminent way. Finally, to further improve our oceans' health, we can also help support organizations/groups that help work towards ocean conservation and educate ourselves and others on sustainable routines. By taking these actions, we can ensure a relatively healthier future for our oceans and the diverse species that essentially call them home in a subtle way.
(sources: https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource … dification ,https://www.whoi.edu/know-your-ocean/ocean-topics/how-the-ocean-works/ocean-chemistry/ocean-acidification/ )