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
Ocean Acidification is one of the most prevalent problems facing our world today. The Ocean, which acts as a carbon sink, is overwhelmed by human's output of fossil fuels, as the ocean itself is responsible for the absorption of 30% of the world's emissions. Because it is overwhelmed by the amount of Co2, the Ph of the ocean's water is being altered, causing it to go down and raise in acidity. As stated by NOAA, "During this time, the pH of surface ocean waters has fallen by 0.1 pH units. The pH scale, like the Richter scale, is logarithmic, so this change represents approximately a 30 percent increase in acidity". These changes are beginning to affect the life within the ocean, as acidic waters is causing the dissolving of calcifying animal's shells. This then endangers the livelihood of many ocean animal species, essentially endangering all ocean life by eliminating a key factor in the food chain. As one can see, the drastic changes in the ocean's environment, caused by the harmful gasses made by humans, is endangering all oceanic life.