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 >
How Ocean Acidification is Affecting Us
According to [oceanscientists.org](http://www.oceanscientists.org/index.ph … dification), the carbon dioxide in the ocean that was absorbed from the atmosphere is currently causing negative effects. As more carbon dioxide dissolves in the ocean, it adds carbonate ions and makes the ocean more acidic. This changes the natural habitats of marine organisms as well as damage the organisms directly. In the article, it claims that normal senses of some fish are damaged from ocean acidification, devastating the marine food webs. In addition, the increased acidity softens and weakens the shells of shellfish. In more impacted areas, shellfish cannot even form shells due to the high acidity.
Ocean acidification can also dramatically impact us. The disturbed food webs can cause overpopulation of certain species or shrink in its amount. This new amount of marine life may give us very few or an abundance of a certain kind of marine life. It will not only disrupt our marine-based products but also mess up the economy tied to these products. This theory of economy change is described in Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations.
Now, the big question is, how can we stop ocean acidification? Currently, there is no way practical to stop it. Nonetheless, we can decrease our carbon emissions to the atmosphere to slow down the process of carbon dissolving into the ocean. We all can play our part in while scientists continue to research for a way to bring back our oceans.
References:
http://www.oceanscientists.org/index.ph … dification
The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith