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 poisoning
Ocean acidification is the process in which our ocean is slowly being poisoned to the point where it could permanently destroy life for all ocean creatures. A majority of life is in the ocean, and not only will it commit a mass genocide on all ocean life, but it will tarnish it to the point where it would have savage effects on every area of our life. We need to defend the ocean starting right now, before it's too late.
Ocean acidification comes from the carbon dioxide gas that dissolves in the ocean. This poisoning process is directly connected to global warming and how much fossil fuels we burn. The more carbon we emit the more we poison our ocean and the life that lives within the ocean. This is a very big threat because the more we put it off the less time we have to completely turn around the rest of the world.
It is important to note of other ways we poison our ocean such as:
- Chemical sunscreen
- Oil/chemical spills
- Rainfall bringing harmful chemicals into the ocean
- General trash
However, I think that bringing up ocean acidification is important as many people do not know about it. I think it is easier for consumers to control what they wear and bring to the beach instead of focussing on the bigger picture of their carbon footprint when it comes to helping the ocean/ocean life. Interesting topic though!
The most effective way of reducing ocean acidification is to solve climate change and to reduce the use of fossil fuel. Ocean acidification will affect humans eventually mostly on the food source. The ocean acidification will also influence the build of shells and skeletons of marine organisms in a bad way.