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
I think that we as people really need to start worrying more about Ocean Acidification and start to do something about it. Ocean Acidification is when CO2 from fossil fuels get into the ocean and when it mixes with the seawater it makes a carbonic acid. As the CO2 in the atmosphere has risen the ocean has gotten 30% more acidic in the last 150 years. Ocean Acidification has been having a great effect on ecosystems in the sea, sea animals, and people that rely on animals in the ocean. A major part of the sea that we all know is coral reefs. Coral reefs build up their colorful selections over time that makes a home for some marine life. Coral reefs provide homes and food for fishes, sea urchins, starfish, and more. Coral reefs need calcium carbonate to grow their skeletons. High acidity does not help the growth of their skeletons and with high acidity, it dissolves. This is what we see happening the Great Barrier Reef. Other animals that don’t depend on coral reefs also are being affected because their food chain is being disrupted. The food web is all connected with each other no matter what animal it is. For example, if fishes aren’t getting their food from coral reefs how are bigger fish and seals supposed to get their food. Then if the seals die the sharks and orcas can’t get their food and they will die. Another effect on Ocean Acidification is sea businesses like fishermen and stores that rely on seafood. Some of these people rely on fishing for their lively hood. If there are no fish in the sea, fishermen are going to lose money. All of these effects are happening now but there are still some ways to reduce them from happening so fast. Some things we can do is to use fewer fossil fuels (use public transit and carpool), conserve energy, reduce the use of plastic and recycle your waste! Also, a way to check all of these things is to test your carbon footprint!
https://www.epa.gov/ocean-acidification … ecosystems
http://therevolutionmovie.com/index.php … solutions/