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 >
Climate change impacts the ocean
Due to climate change, the coast, ocean, and fisheries have all been negatively impacted. Due to an increase in average surface temperature and an increase in carbon in the ocean, the ocean pH has been decreasing. This trend is likely to worsen unless we start to do something to save our planet. Marine ecosystems have been dying, and an example is the coral reef. And because of this change in the marine food web, fisheries are impacted because there is less fish. This will indirectly affect the human population as well, so we really do need to start take actions.
It's hard to think about how much the marine ecosystems and biodiversity have been affected due to climate change. I agree that we need to take action, as humans depend on the aquatic life for many resources as well.