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 >
how this affects us
Ocean acidification could affect marine food webs and lead to changes in commercial fish businesses, which threatens supply of protein and food security for millions of people as well as the multi-billion dollar global fishing industry. By the mid-century ocean regions may be unable to support coral growth and reefs will begin to die faster than they can grow. Lots of places dependent on healthy coral reefs for fisheries, income and tourism. Without these corals reefs we could lose more than just our oceans.