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
Since the Industrial Revolution, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has been increasing dramatically. The ocean absorbs about 30% of these emissions, which leads to ocean acidification, the worldwide reduction in the oceans pH levels, causing the ocean to become more acidic. This makes it so that lots of underwater life such as coral, shellfish, and plankton, which are all very important to the underwater ecosystem, can't thrive. Coral reefs serve as a home for many underwater creatures. If coral can't grow, lots of creatures will lose their homes. This impacts humans too. Many people and other animals, especially in coastal regions, rely on shellfish as a source of food. A decline in the amount of shellfish will cause a lack of food for other species. This can also impact economies around the world as many of them rely on fish and other seafood as a source of income.