Aug.23
What is Ocean Acidification
Ocean acidification results from carbon dioxide (or CO2) being released into the atmosphere and absorbed by our oceans. The ocean absorbs CO2 at a rate of 22 million tons per day - thus removing 30% of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere each year. When CO2 dissolves in seawater carbonic acid is formed. This phenomenon, called ‘ocean acidification’, decreases the availability of cabonate, reducing the amount of calcium carbonate available in the ocean. Calcium carbonate is a substance used by many corals, phytoplankton and crustaceans to maintain and build their skeletons and shells. Without these creatures the entire marine food web is at risk.
Since the beggining of the industrial revolution the ocean has become 30% more acidic. This change is 3 times greater and 100 times faster than an change in acididity during the last 21 million years.
Ocean acidification, along with warming surface temperatures and changes in ocean mixing, may reduce the ability of the ocean to absorb carbon dioxide - leaving more CO2 in the atmosphere and worsening the impact of the climate.
What does this mean for our planet?
Decreased calcification rates will slow the growth of coral reefs, making them more fragile and vulnerable to erosion. By 2050 reef erosion may surpass reef building.
In certain invertabrates and some fish CO2 accumulation and lowered PH in animals bodies may cause acidosis, a build up of carbonic acid in the bodily fluids. This leads to a lowered immune system response, metabolic depression and asphyxiation. Fish larvae may be particularly sensitive.
Basically.. by releasing so much CO2 into the atmosphere we are turning our oceans into an acid, in which very little animals will be able to survive, and reducing its capacity to absorb the CO2 we realease.
What can you do? Well to begin with, spread the word, let everyone know about this issue, and how it not only affects the oceans but also humanity. This is the first step to putting the wheels in motion, which is all happening behind the scenes..
from theoceanvialara
"I think we are at that point in human history where we are required to quit our day jobs. Many people serve the environment part time whilst at the same time working to save money for their future, but without the environment and planet to live on, there is no future. I wish everyone would just stop right now and volunteer his/her life to saving the environment: Find an organization you like, and if you can’t find one, form your own organization. The best part is there is nothing to lose because money won’t be the currency of the future, adaptability, life experience and practical skills will be wealth. The feeling of fighting for the Earth is fantastic. It is what living really feels like. I wish every single person could experience that feeling."
Molly Kendall, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Whale Wars
