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 >
The Dangerous Reality that is Ocean Acidification
With the increase of products being manufactured and the population's growth, the CO2 levels have increased. This is not only bad for Humans but also for our oceans and the animals that live within them. If we keep emitting massive amounts of CO2 then our ocean acidity level 80 years from now will have a pH level of 7.8. In 2010 the pH level was 8.0, the significance of this is that a change of .1 in the pH makes the ocean 30% more acidic. If we apply this to the pH level of 7.8 that will be in 2100 compared to the pH level of 8.0 in 2010 then there would be a 60% increase in acidity int he ocean. A direct result of a more acidic ocean is the animals that live in the ocean will have to evolve to survive the new water or they will die. This is bad for humans because that will create a huge imbalance in ecosystems and food chains and we won't have a healthy ocean.