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 >
Humans and the Acidic Ocean
The ocean serves as a large CO2 sink for the entire planet. According to Science Daily large bodies of water can absorb up to 50% more CO2 than vegetation on land in the same amount of time. Human life and industry releases a ton of CO2 in to the atmosphere, which the ocean is constantly absorbing. The CO2 in the ocean releases carbonic acid leading ocean to acidify. Ocean acidification makes many sea animals environments a hostile place to live and it affects the entire food chain. The CO2 in our ocean causes animals and plants to die, creating a domino effect and disrupting entire ecosystems. The destruction of the food change not only affects sea animals, but also humans.