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
All animals of the sea have a higher chance of being harmed everyday because of the gases and CO2 we are releasing. The unfortunate consequence, however has been the emission of billions of tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the ocean from earth's atmosphere. Researchers say the ocean will be 150% more acidic than just a little over 200 years ago. The animals that are being sentenced to death thanks to the acidity we create are at the bottom of the food chain and if scientist are correct in the next few years the food chain will be all unsettled.
If you take a closer look into the sea one of the main parts of the ocean's ecosystems in it is coral reefs. Coral reefs are a huge part of the ecosystem and between one and nine million marine species live on or around coral reefs, and there is no reproducing without a home to lay eggs. This affects not only small critters on the ocean floor but big fish won't be able to eat either. So let's do our p art to save the ocean from all its acidity, and lower our footprint
Source: National Geographic “The Acid Sea”
This is a horrible thing happening to ocean life because the ocean absorbs about
half of all the Co2 emissions admitted into the atmosphere. Clearly in recent years we are just adding to the amount of carbon the oceans are absorbing. Although many people do not think of this when they first think of the affects of climate change, it is a big deal. In 2007 NOAA researched waters on the West Coast and found that the CO2 levels increased drastically,and because of this there was an almost certain failure of growing oysters in hatcheries. Source: https://pmel.noaa.gov/co2/story/OA+Research
To reduce this horrible impact on marine life we must use cleaner, renewable resources and all try to reduce our carbon footprint, even if it is as little as walking instead of taking a car.
It disgusts me to hear what's happening to the animals. Humans are sacrificing Earth's diverse marine life without even knowing it. I knew carbon emissions were bad , but I did not know it was to the point that acid levels are rapidly rising!
The coral reef problem also is something that I cannot fathom. The reefs were once vibrant and colorful, now, their turning white and diminishing away.
I think if people can put theirselves in the shoes of the animals that are loosing their habits , maybe we could generate change now!
I totally agree with sea creatures being harmed everyday with the CO2 in the ocean. It is also sad that corals and being bleached by the CO2 and some sea creatures use those as shelter. I can't imagine my home being slowly destroyed everyday.