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 and its impact on humans
As a lot of us may know, our oceans are starting to acidify. This is because of our water absorbing Carbon Dioxide, which becomes Carbonic acid, which lowers the pH level to be more acidic in water. Now, what does it do on animals? Well you see, this excess carbon dioxide, changes the waters chemistry quickly, not giving marine live time for adaptation. Now, how does this correlate with us humans? Well, acidification makes carbonate ions less abundant, ions that corals, oysters, mussels, and other shelled organisms need to build shells and skeletons. This in turn is causing massive oyster deaths along with other shelled organisms, which we humans eat and is going to affect what we eat, the economy, and oyster businesses.