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 >
Easy Ways to Help Our Ocean
1. Eat sustainable seafood -- "Three-quarters of the world’s fisheries are now overexploited, fully exploited, significantly depleted or recovering from overexploitation."
2. Reduce your energy use or switch to solar energy.
3. Use reusable plastic products like straws and water bottles!
4. Properly throw away materials (recycle and compost when you can).
5. Pick up garbage and litter
6. Buy ocean-friendly products that have not abused or exploited animals.
I agree with these points that you bring up. Switching to solar energy is a much more efficient way of using energy than the use of fossil fuels which releases carbon dioxide into our atmosphere. Also, using reusable plastic products like straws and water bottles are a good idea too because plastics essentially don't decompose or go away. They become microscopic but are here forever when thrown out. Picking up garbage is a good way to help our ocean also because a lot of the garbage thrown on the side of the road or in parks eventually end up in the ocean some way or another.