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
I've heard about ocean acidification, but I think it's impact on our environment is often under-looked. Acidification has a major effect on marine life, and in turn, impacts humans through the food chain. Lower pH levels in the ocean make it far harder for species to survive. In my opinion, there should be a larger focus on climate change in general in regards to the education system, but ocean acidification especially because it's rarely talked about, even outside of school.
Ocean acidification is when carbon dioxide gets absorbed by the ocean, the ocean pH levels go down into a more acidic pH. The carbon dioxide that goes into the ocean is made by burning fossil fuels. The animals inside the ocean can start to get weaker, such as sharks. Shark skin will start to corrode and make it harder for the sharks to move, which initially stops their ability to hunt for food. Ocean acidification not only has a huge impact on sea pH levels, but it is also affecting the sea life and the animals that live in the ocean. We must do something to lower the amount of burning fossil fuels, or the pH levels in the ocean will continue going into a more acidic pH and the animals will continue being harmed, such as the sharks and clams are going through right now.