Ocean Acidification - What It Is and How It's Changing The World

Ocean Acidification - What It Is and How It's Changing The World

Called "global warming's evil twin," ocean acidification is a real and pressing danger for our planet. It's a change in the ocean's chemistry that we're causing, and it's a change that is occurring at a catastrophic rate. If you think that overfishing and plastic pollution is the only thing we need to worry about when it comes to the ocean's health, you'll be surprised to know that ocean acidification is a far more worrisome issue.

What is Ocean Acidification?

The ocean absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during natural processes. It absorbs roughly 1/3 of the carbon dioxide emitted from the burning of fossil fuels. The more fossil fuels we burn, the more CO2 is emitted into the atmosphere, and there is more for the ocean to absorb. But the more carbon dioxide the ocean absorbs, the lower the pH level drops and the more acidic the water becomes. As the ocean's pH level changes, marine wildlife is impacted. But it isn't just marine life that is impacted. We all depend on the health of the oceans for global survival, from our food to the air that fills our lungs, everything on earth relies on the ocean and needs it to stay healthy. However, flora and fauna from corals to crustaceans to jellyfish are telling us the ocean is changing, and not for the better. "Ocean acidification could be viewed as a final warning sign that we are perilously close to destabilizing the earth's vital systems. We know from global warming that changes to the composition of the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels have been significant. Yet, the oceans are an even bigger system - 500 times by weight - compared to the atmosphere. Measurable changes to ocean chemistry signal a massive upset to our planet," states, Lisa Suatoni, senior scientist at National Resources Defense Council. Photo by andybullock77

What does ocean acidification mean for marine life?

We are seeing significant changes in marine wildlife. The change in the ocean's chemistry is causing the shells of crustaceans to soften or thicken, which impacts their ability to survive. That has implications all the way up the food chain. And while shellfish are struggling, jellyfish are thriving; yet that comes at an impact for other marine life as, again, the food chain is thrown off-balance. Coral reefs struggle with more acidic oceans, which impacts the wildlife that depend on them from fish to humans. Coral reefs are considered keystone habitat for the oceans, and without them much of marine life will cease to exist. According to scientists, the ocean is acidifying ten times faster than what occurred during the last major marine extinction. If history is any indicator, we're heading straight for another significant loss of sealife, which means a significant loss of life on land as well. Photo by pedrosimoes7

What does it mean for people?

Ocean acidification will be nothing short of global disaster for humans. Fish stocks will collapse, coral reefs will die off, food supplies will run out, and millions of people living in coastal communities will be displaced as their livelihoods are wiped out. Not only that, but as the ocean loses its ability to absorb any more carbon dioxide, its ability to regulate our global climate and supply oxygen will falter. That will mean huge changes in weather patterns and breathable air. In short, all our planets familiar systems break down. It sounds dire, but that's only because... it is.

Can it be reversed?

Ocean acidification cannot be reversed - at least, not quickly. It can, however, be slowed. But that means we need to radically slow down on how much carbon dioxide we put into the atmosphere. How quickly that happens depends entirely upon humans, and we're known for being slow to change courses on short notice. Photo by lowjumpingfrog Other than direct changes to our cultures of consumerism and waste that require the burning of fossil fuels, which is causing the oceans to acidify, there are a few creative minds who are hot on the trail of geoengineering as holding possible solutions for the ocean's woes. One hotly debated strategy is iron fertilization. The theory is iron is dumped into the ocean, causing a bloom of phytoplankton which die off, sinking to the bottom of the ocean and taking large quantities of carbon dioxide with them. However, it has been tested and proven to be as rife with variables and unexpected consequences as one would expect. Trying to control details about something as complex as the workings of oceanic chemistry and systems is mind-bogglingly difficult. Geoengineering may or may not have some possible ideas. But rather than apply band-aids, we need to staunch the flow of blood, and that means cutting our CO2 emissions in a major way. Saving the oceans is about more than just cutting down on how much fish we eat or trash we create. It's about cutting down on everything we consume.

How can I find out more?

There are two major things you can do to learn more about ocean acidification. First, watch Acid Test, a documentary explaining how our oceans are changing and what impacts it's having on our life systems. Then, read an enlightening interview with Lisa Suatoni, who also appears in Acid Test. Follow Jaymi on Twitter for more stories like this More on Ocean Acidification Global Warming's Evil Twin: Ocean Acidification - A Present And Measurable Danger United Kingdom Launches Projects to Study Ocean Acidification EPA Wants Your Comments on Ocean Acidification