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 & Coral Bleaching
I think that ocean acidification is very bad and I am very much worried for our environment if this continues to increase. Ocean acidification has a widespread effect on the marine life and air quality around it. The ocean produces about 50-80% of our oxygen meaning that without all the smaller organisms, plants, corals, etc., there might not be life on Earth at all. Global warming in general is increasing the temperature of our waters by a lot and this makes the coral reefs much more difficult to survive. The rising temperature of the water can stress the coral causing it to die off and become white almost as if it was bleached. Dead corals cannot properly produce oxygen or provide suitable life for many creatures. Our ocean will eventually not be able to withstand the amount of carbon dioxide in the air, and will start to not produce as much oxygen. We should raise awareness on these topics by creating different curriculum throughout many schools that challenges kids to think about their oceans and ocean acidification in ways similar to what this ISCFC project is about.