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
if we ever “fix” climate change, how long will it change to bring ocean acidification back to normal?
It depends on how soon we take to fix climate change
It could take a long time, if we don't do anything about it, and just fix the atmosphere, the ocean would cause it again. If we want to fox climate change we have to fix the ocean too!!
It would take quick action
Analysts are discovering that kelp, eelgrass, and other vegetation can successfully assimilate CO2 and decrease acidity within the sea. Developing these plants in waters, researchers say, may offer assistance to relieve the harming impacts of acidification on marine life. Another way to reduce ocean acidification could be to use less plastic and encourage others too. Not only do corporations release so many fossil fuels but when we use plastic it ends up in the ocean which in turn effect causes ocean acidification. So we don't need to wait on the atmosphere to become healthy again to decrease ocean acidification. We can encourage others to use less plastic and start planting vegetation in the oceans to reduce acidification.