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
The level of acid being distributed into the ocean is becoming dangerously high. We produce a ridiculous amount of carbon dioxide and it’s becoming a way bigger issue as it goes on. Along with our huge contribution to the release of CO2, the ocean absorbs a million tons an hour. Due to this, the damage is done and we cannot rid the oceans of the large amounts of acid naturally nor can we by mankind because the human production at such an alarming rate, we cannot keep up with the distribution. The wrongdoings of big greenhouse gas releasing countries are hurting many that have nothing to do with it.
Ocean life are known to be greatly affected by the CO2 distribution. Scientist are showing that they have already noticed that some organisms are dying off, shrinking in population. Starting off small, this will soon affect all living in the ocean. Small organisms eaten by fellow beings, like whales, are disappearing Corals also are starting to die because of the amount of acid in the area which is reducing the reproduction of other corals just by eliminating a few. . T he corals make up the main architecture for many creatures, by destroying the corals, we are destroying ocean life’s ecology, which they can’t live without. This will wipe them out even faster.
To slow the release of greenhouse gases we need to come together. Laws can be put into effect to slow the release of the gases. Money could be lossed and the economy could go down, but that downfall isn’t as bad to losing ocean life for the future, poisoning or oceans to the point where we can’t even swim in them any longer. There would be so many more benefits in restricting this production instead of letting it prosper and continue to kill our sea.
Source, "Acid Sea"