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
Everything on earth was directly engineered to suit the needs of all of the organisms. The burning of fossil fuels is changing the chemistry of our Atmosphere and Oceans. At first, scientists were happy that the Oceans were absorbing 26 percent of our carbon emissions because it was decreasing the climate crisis. Then we realized that the carbon is actually making our Ocean more acidic. It's a very simple process when carbon mixes with seawater it forms a substance called Carbonic acid. This acid has slowly spread throughout the Oceans and decrease the Acidity of the Ocean by 0.1. Many people might think that this is not a big change. However, on a large scale, this can do some extreme damage. Shelled Organisms rely on calcium carbonate to make their shells, but carbonic acid is decreasing the ability for Calcium to bond with Carbonate meaning that these organisms need to spend more time making shells. This creates a rift where instead of finding food, shells are being made so the organisms become weaker and die off. As the shelled organisms population decreases then the food chain gets messed up as the organisms that eat the shelled ones have to work harder to find them meaning their population decreases. This cycle continues until up to the top of the food chain with a massive population decrease for everyone. Overall, the carbon emissions into the Ocean are changing its chemistry meaning that Organisms have to adapt to be able to survive. No problem right, organisms adapt all the time, in fact we are champions at adapting. The problem is that it takes time to adapt and because Ocean Acidification is happening so drastically there is not enough time. In our capitalistic society, Ocean Acidification cannot be stopped, however, one thing we can do is do our best to slow the process giving the Organisms time to adapt. Small acts like composting or turning off the lights, even using a reusable water bottle can help. Remember, don't think that it is not your problem and someone else can do this because if everyone has that attitude no change will be made.
https://scripps.ucsd.edu/programs/keeli … s-take-up/
https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource … dification