Ocean Acidification

Ocean Acidification

When carbon dioxide is absorbed by seawater, chemical reactions occur that reduce seawater pH, carbonate ion concentration, and saturation states of biologically important calcium carbonate minerals. These chemical reactions are called "ocean acidification” and is one of the most important environmental problems.

Over recent years, human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels have increased the amount of carbon dioxide gas emitted to the atmosphere and the amount that dissolves carbon dioxide into the ocean. In the last decade, scientists have discovered that this excess is actually changing the chemistry of the sea and proving harmful for many forms of marine life. The concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has risen from 320 parts per million in the early 20th century to 380 parts per million at the beginning of the 21st century. These drastic changes to earth’s atmosphere and environment have resulted in numerous ripple effects including the acidification of the ocean. Calcium is the most important constituent as it is important in sustaining marine life and plays a role in the chemical balance of the ocean. The acidification of the ocean, precipitated by global warming, is causing a change in the chemical interactions of these various ecological systems. The increase in carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere has allowed more of it to dissolve in the ocean causing a drastic change in pH and carbonic acid concentrations. These changes could result in the loss of various marine life and ecosystems which once lost cannot be recovered. Acidification of the ocean is a serious concern and if allowed to continue could result in irreversible and permanent changes to ocean ecosystems and marine life.

Now that we know some of the anthropogenic sources of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, what can we do about it? All of the things we have been doing since the industrial revolution to put carbon dioxide into the atmosphere should be examined to find more efficient uses. There are many solutions available, and there are things that people can do on almost any level to make an impact. People should understand that some of these changes need to be made on an individual way, some on the community level, and all the way up to corporations, governments and global organizations. We must avoid burning of fossil fuels, carbon emissions and implement clean-energy technology. Stopping deforestation, erosion and soil degradation could help the cause acidification, because forests act as carbon sinks. Protecting wildlife has many benefits, but most people don't know that it's an important factor in how the Earth responds to climate change. Natural places are very resistant to change, but now there are far fewer natural places in most areas. It is important to preserve existing habitats and to identify more areas that need protection.

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