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 >
Protect sea life
Ocean acidification is the ongoing decrease of pH as a result of the increase of CO2 in the ocean. Once carbon dioxide diffuses into the water, carbon dioxide and water molecules combine with calcium carbonate to produce bicarbonate molecules. This poses a problem to all sea life that relies on seawater’s calcium carbonate to create shells or skeletons. Without their protective shells, these animals will die or be eaten in greater numbers. If we want to protect sea life, we need to reduce our carbon footprint.
What can we do to fix the problem?
Ocean acidification can be reduced by reducing the use of fossil fuels and watching our own actions as well. This has to do with our carbon footprint, which is increased by factors such as the amount of energy we use, using plastic, failure to reuuse or recycle, and driving vehicles that produce large portions of CO2.
Citations:
http://therevolutionmovie.com/index.php … solutions/
https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/co2-an … ecosystems.