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 refers to the decrease in the pH level of the world's oceans, it is caused by the carbon dioxide from the atmmosphere. When Co2 dissolves in salt water, it forms carbonic acid, when then dissolve into bicarbonate ions and hydrogen ions, which lowers the pH of the water.
Why is ocean acidification a problem?
First, the lower of the pH level affects the lives of marine animals such as corals, mollusks, and some plankton species especially to build and maintain their shells and skeletons composition which is made out of calcium carbonate. If it is severe enough, it can cause problem in the marine food chain. Second, the coral reef decline. Coral reefs are vulnerable to ocean acidification. As they lose their ability to form and maintain their calcium carbonate structures, they will eventually collapses and die. This will affect the biodiversuty and the habitats supported by the coral reefs. Third, ocean acidification can distrupt the entire marine ecosystem, affecting species diversity and changing the predator prey relationship.
How do we solve ocean acidification?
One way that we can reduce ocean acidification whcih is to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases which means to be conscious of your energy use. Some ways we can do this is to drive less, switch to fluorescent light bulbs, and compost your food waste. To protect the ocean, we must also stabalize the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Ocean acidification is something that could ultimately affect us as well, since coral reefs are part of the ecosystem in the ocean. Each year, world trade in fish and fisheries products in 2023 is estimated at 65 million tonnes, which would also make our economy go down. To make the ocean acidification rate go down, we have to cut down our usage of fossil fuel and carbon emissions. To do this, we could take public transportations such as the metro or instead of driving, we could bike to the destination. That way, not only would you save the Earth, you would be exercising as well. The carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could be reduced by the way we live daily.