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 >
What is Ocean Acidification?
I had never heard of this phrase until recently, but it is one of the many effects of climate change. So, what is it? Basically, ocean acidification in the phrase used to describe the increasing acidity of the ocean. This is due to the ocean absorbing massive amounts of carbon dioxide from human activities. The more carbon dioxide that is put out into the atmosphere from activities like burning coal for power, the more the ocean absorbs. When that happens, it raises the acidity of the water. While it may not harm humans, it causes lots of harm to the ocean life. For example, the increasing acidity of the water has been harming coral reefs. Because they are unable to adapt quick enough to withstand the sudden changes, the coral die off. This leaves many aquatic species without protection from predators. While this is only one species that is suffering, soon enough all ocean life will be killed off by the raising acidity. This could spell disaster for many societies that rely on ocean life to feed themselves or to keep them employed. That is why it is so important to take climate change seriously, and to start working as a society to reverse the effects of climate change.
I recently learned about ocean acidification, and it really opened my eyes to another dangerous effect of climate change. Ocean acidification happens when the oceans absorb too much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, mostly due to human activities like burning fossil fuels. This makes the water more acidic and harms marine life.
I think it’s important for all of us to be aware of this issue and support actions that reduce CO₂ emissions. Even small steps can make a difference when done together.
I had a similar experience, recently I learned more about ocean acidification. I had heard of it before but never fully knew what it is until last month during a science research trip to Belize where we read about ocean acidification and the effects of global warming on the ocean's ecosystems. I learned that when the ocean absorbs excess carbon dioxide it lowers the water's pH levels causing the water to become more acidic. This is happening because humans are producing Co2 faster than nature and the ocean can absorb it. Like the previous posts mentioned it is really sad how this is happening. The affects of ocean acidification are tragic for sea corals and animals as it results in a lot of habitat loss.