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 >
Coral Reefs
Ocean Acidification is becoming increasingly worse as time goes on. Coral reefs are dying off left and right, fish are being affected, and pteropods are losing their shells. Ocean acidification is when carbon dioxide is absorbed by seawater, in which reduces the seawater pH and saturation states of important calcium carbonate minerals. These calcium minerals help build the skeletons of many marine organisms, such as pteropods, which are bait for bigger fish. So, ocean life revolves around these bait fish. When they begin to die off or there's no more bait, it's not going to be good. Also, coral reefs are affected by this. They're already dying off due to the excessive amount of co2 in the ocean in some areas. According to some, by 2100 most of the coral reefs will have died off if we don't do something to change it.
It is scary to think that the coral bleaching could eliminate the majority of marine biodiversity. Without aquatic life, humanity would struggle to survive because we depend on it so much.
I agree, this is very concerning because our oceans are a key function of society, and ocean acidification is an imminent threat posed by climate change.