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 harms marine ecosystems by eating away at the minerals used by different types of shellfish to build their shells. Ocean acidification also makes it harder for coral reefs to build their skeletons. This is a problem because many different marine animals find food, protection, shelter, and reproduce in coral reefs. Without these habitats, marine life would cease to exist.
Some ways we can slow down ocean acidification are by dramatically decreasing the amount of fossil fuels being burned and acting on climate change. We can act on climate change by reducing the amount of energy being used and cutting the amount of waste.