What is Ocean Acidification?

Ocean acidification refers to the ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth’s oceans caused primarily by the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

Cause:

• Human activities like burning fossil fuels release large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere.




• About 30% of this CO2 gets absorbed by the oceans.




• When CO2 dissolves in seawater, it triggers a series of chemical reactions that:
  
  
  
  • Increase the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+).

  
  

  • Reduce the concentration of carbonate ions (CO3-2).

  
  

  • Lead to a decrease in pH, meaning the ocean becomes more acidic.

  
  

  
  

Impact:

• The ocean has naturally become more acidic since the start of the industrial revolution.




• Though the change in pH seems small (from 8.2 to 8.1 currently), it represents a significant increase in acidity (around 30%).




• This change can have various negative consequences for marine life:
  
  
  
  • Organisms that build shells and skeletons from calcium carbonate (e.g., corals, oysters, mussels) face difficulties in calcification and are more susceptible to dissolution.

  
  

  • Some fish and other marine animals experience physiological disruptions, affecting their behavior, growth, and survival.

  
  

  • The overall diversity and abundance of marine life can be compromised, potentially impacting entire ecosystems.

  
  

  
  

Consequences:

• Ocean acidification can disrupt food chains and ocean ecosystems, impacting fisheries and food security.




• It can damage coral reefs, crucial for coastal protection and biodiversity.




• It can affect carbon sequestration by the ocean, contributing to further climate change.

Solutions:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources are crucial for mitigating ocean acidification.




• Research on technologies that capture and store CO2 or remove it from the atmosphere could offer additional solutions.




• Marine conservation efforts and restoring coastal ecosystems can help build resilience against ocean acidification.

Remember:

Ocean acidification is a complex global issue with significant environmental and socio-economic consequences. Understanding its causes, impacts, and potential solutions is crucial for protecting our oceans and ensuring a sustainable future for marine life and people dependent on it.