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 acidifacation
Ocean acidification is caused by all the different toxic chemicals that are in the pollution in our waters. The amount of trash in the ocean is itself a big issue, but also because it intoxicates the water and sea life in it.
Ocean acidification is caused by the increasing amount of carbon dioxide we make. This happens because the carbon dioxide becomes carbonic acid and then increases the pH level of the ocean. Coral will be affected by coral bleaching, coral is home to 25% of the ocean's fish species. If the coral die, many fish will be vulnerable to predators. Species with shells will also be affected, their shells will be melted due to the acidity. We humans will also be affected, about 1 billion of us depend on the ocean as a food source. In order to stop ocean acidification, we need to decrease our carbon emissions.