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 >
What can we do about Ocean Acidification?
Ocean Acidification is the continuing decrease of the ocean's ph. Usually, sea water is towards the basic side of the ph scale, above 7, but the ocean's ph is slowly lowering over time due to increased carbon in the atmosphere from climate change. Ocean Acidification can be harmful to fish because they do not thrive in more acidic water, it can also block the development for shelled animals and coral reefs (https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource … dification). To counter ocean acidification, we can do things that cut carbon emissions which will also help prevent other parts of climate change. Ways to reduce your carbon footprint include eating less meat, using less energy at home, conserving water, not using disposable plastic items, using public transit, buying less unnecessary stuff, and most importantly educating others on the situation at hand so we can all change our habits (http://therevolutionmovie.com/index.php … solutions/). I think that seeing the negative effects that ocean acidification is having on our oceans should be alarming to people and inspire us to reform the way we treat the earth.