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 >
Killing ocean
I have learned about Ocean acidification in science but I didn't know much about it. After reading about and learning about it I have realized how dire the situation is. The acidification of the ocean will eventually lead to the death of animals living in the ocean, this needs to be stopped.
This is a sad truth that we are killing the ocean. We really need the oceans to survive and we are going to harm our selves because we are destroying the oceans. It is important that we stop hurting the ocean so we can save the most important part of Earth survival.
I agree with this because we are in big trouble. According to the Ocean Conservancy Program, “Acidification has massive implications for the delicate ecosystems that rely on shellfish and the role they play in the environment.” This is important to know because if more and more small ecosystems are destroyed, it will have a lasting impact on our ocean’s chemistry. The higher the acidity level in a body of water, the worse it is for the animals that live in it. Acidifying oceans effect shells of shellfish, making them weaker and deteriorate. The website adds “fishing and disease outbreaks have reduced oysters to just 1% of their historic population.” So, if we continue to acidify the ocean, we will lose a lot of wildlife.
There are many sad things happening to these animals and you guys have realized this. According to the PMEL, the ocean absorbs 1/4 of the earth's carbon which is very bad because carbon changes the chemistry of the oceans a lot. What it does is destroy the animal's habitat because it makes cold water warm making it uninhabitable and killing animals. In addition, it melts the ice caps killing polar bears and many other animals living on the ice. Also, the ocean rises taking away even more habitats for animals.
It's really sad that we are doing this to our oceans. We are ruining the water for our use and destroying the animals' habitats. By adding CO2 into the atmosphere, it then gets dissolved into the water causing the ocean to get more acidic. This acidity is killing the coral, a place where many fish live. It is also dissolving the shells of crabs and other animals. This is really bad because their shells are their only form of protection. If the water gets too acidic, it will start making it too hard for the animals to breathe and survive in the water. The acidity is also making it so we cant use the water. It becomes too acidic for our intake, let alone to water plants and to use around the house. We need to stop the oceans from getting any more acidic before it's too late.