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Climate Change and Ocean Acidification
Yoon-Ju Kim
Ms. Laws
Biology Period 5
28 September 2016
Climate Change and Ocean Acidification
The increase of temperature, caused by climate change also has shown critical impacts in the ocean. Though not visible, ⅓ of released carbon emissions has been absorbed by the ocean, making the ocean more acidic. This means that when climate change gets more severe, the ocean PH also decreases (meaning that the ocean becomes more acidic). The reduction of ocean PH leads to various challenges for organisms residing in the ocean, as well as the ocean’s environment. Because ocean acidification makes it extremely difficult for organisms to absorb calcium carbonate, many species in the water, especially shelled organisms, who need calcium carbonate to survive, are badly damaged or destroyed. These losses of species will soon lead to extinction of countless organisms when acidifications in the ocean rises.
Clearly, these informations about the ocean acidification is vital for the public to be well aware. Why? Because research shows that when we emit CO2 emis sions at the current rate, destruction of reefs may come, and if that crisis occurs, organisms, including us, who depends on the ocean for resources will face difficulties. In the worst case, other species will go extinct. To prevent this, the concept of ocean acidification must be clear to the public, so that organizations that help reduce ocean pollution can get fundings and so that individuals can feel motivated to stop ocean acidification. Also, the government should strictly handle large-scale problems like this by passing laws and orders that can mitigate the problem.
Resources: Schoerning, Emily. "A Crack in the Denial Machine?" NCSE. NCSE, 1 Mar. 2016. Web. 28 Sept. 2016.