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 >
Ocean Acidification
This article opened my mind to a lot of different things that I was previously unaware of prior to taking this class. Unfortunately, due to the large amount of carbon dioxide being emitted each day, it is continuing to take a toll on our beautiful oceans. This article goes into depth about organisms that are being affected as well as programs that help repair damaged ecosystems. An interesting fact that I found in this article is that the ocean absorbs thirty percent of the carbon dioxide that is released in the atmosphere.
Thank you so much for sharing this article! It is really important to know about programs and other different ways we can help reduce the affects that ocean acidification has on marine life.