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 >
What will Happen if Nothing is Done
Ocean acidification is a huge problem for many reasons, so the first thing in order to change is to spread this topic and talk about it more often. Ocean acidification weakens shells on animals like sea urchins, crabs, clams, and many more. This means that not only will that animal become weaker and more vulnerable but it also creates less of a food source for other animals depending on those creatures to survive. Humans also depend on these animals for both consumption and for many people making a living from fisheries, which would also be hugely impacted by this.
I also agree that ocean acidification is a huge problem. If we don't address this situation right now the ocean might be lifeless in a few decades! Ocean acidification harms a ton of animals like you said and combined with tons of trash that gets thrown into the ocean things would only get worse as time passes by. Somethings we can do to help keep the ocean less acidic is to simply release less carbon dioxide. But how can we do that? There are many things we can do to release less carbon, simply by walking to school, eating less meat and taking colder showers.
I also agree that ocean acidification is a huge problem. If we don't address this situation right now the ocean might be lifeless in a few decades! Ocean acidification harms a ton of animals like you said and combined with tons of trash that gets thrown into the ocean things would only get worse as time passes by. Somethings we can do to help keep the ocean less acidic is to simply release less carbon dioxide. But how can we do that? There are many things we can do to release less carbon, simply by walking to school, eating less meat and taking colder showers.
If nothing is done, that will cause even more problems. But I agree, we can help release carbon by doing our part. Walking or even biking is a great idea, and also taking shorter showers would definitely help as well.
If nothing is done, that will cause even more problems. But I agree, we can help release carbon by doing our part. Walking or even biking is a great idea, and also taking shorter showers would definitely help as well.
If nothing is done, the problem will just get worse. There might not be any life left in the ocean and the animals and wildlife in the ocean are very valuable food for humans and other animals. If there is no more wildlife in the ocean than this could be bad for not just the ocean but for the animals on land.
If nothing is done, things like ocean acidification will occur. Ocean acidification can weaken shells on animals like clams and crabs. This would create a much less food source for other animals that depend on these creatures to survive.