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 >
Devastating Results of Ocean Acidification
Carbon emissions have detrimental affects on our oceans. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, the concentration of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere has increased dramatically. The burning of fossil fuels, car emissions, and deforestation have all contributed to ocean acidification. According to NOAA, around 30% of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere is absorbed by the ocean. As the carbon dioxide concentration in our atmosphere increases, so does the carbon in our oceans. An increase in carbon causes our ocean to become more acidic. Calcification is the process in which organisms form calcium carbonate shells and other structures. Ocean acidification harms this process, and consequently certain species are struggling to survive. For example, Coral's ability to form skeleton-like homes are damaged by ocean acidification, causing it to die off. Certain coral reefs all around the world are dying because of ocean acidification. When the coral dies, fish and other organisms no longer have a reliable home and food source. Species that rely on coral are now at risk of dying. Other organisms that depend on carbonate ions include clams, mussels, and sea urchins. Ocean acidification is a result of the mass amounts of carbon dioxide emissions being released into our atmosphere every day. The faster we can create a more sustainable earth and environment, the better chance the species in our ocean have at survival.
This whole process is very scary and you put it into words very well. We need to start doing something in our own lives to lower our carbon footprint. This whole activity is very useful because it has opened my eyes to all the different ways we release carbon into our atmosphere. With this information, now I can hopefully take the next steps to change how much I produce even if just slightly. If we all change by a slight amount then that will add up to a large impact. By doing this we will not only be saving ourselves but also saving the animals and the Earth we live on and with.