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Ocean Acidification

Ocean acidification is caused by increased carbon dioxide emissions from human activities, leading to a rise in acidity levels in the ocean. This change negatively impacts marine life, particularly organisms with shells, and poses significant risks to ecosystems and fishing industries. Urgent action to reduce CO2 emissions is essential to protect ocean health and food security.

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8 views8 pages

Ocean Acidification

Ocean acidification is caused by increased carbon dioxide emissions from human activities, leading to a rise in acidity levels in the ocean. This change negatively impacts marine life, particularly organisms with shells, and poses significant risks to ecosystems and fishing industries. Urgent action to reduce CO2 emissions is essential to protect ocean health and food security.

Uploaded by

ahmad.hawi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Ocean Acidification

The ocean is bcoming more acidic due to a rise of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
Why Is This Happening?
CO¢ Production
Burning fossil fuels releases massive amounts of carbon dioxide

Atmospheric Increase
2 Human activities pump excess CO¢ into atmosphere

Ocean Absorption
Oceans absorb ~30% of this additional carbon dioxide, making the
ocean more acidic
The Chemistry: How does CO¢ make the Ocean
Acidic?

CO¢ Dissolution
Carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater

Acid Formation
Forms carbonic acid (H¢CO£)

pH Reduction
Reactants: Carbon dioxide and water Hydrogen ions released, lowering pH

Products: Carbonic acid and Hydrogen Ions


How Much Has the Ocean Changed?

30% 0.1

Acidity Increase pH Drop


Since Industrial Revolution began From 8.2 to 8.1 (more acidic)

Current rate of acidification unprecedented in millions of years


Impacts on Marine Life: Shells and Skeletons at
Risk
Acidic conditions impair shell and skeleton formation

Oysters, clams struggle to build shells


Existing shells begin to dissolve
Coral structures weaken
Effects on Ecosystems and
Fishing Industries
Economic Impact
$1 billion US shellfish industry at risk

Reef Decline
Great Barrier Reef suffering from weakened coral

Vulnerable Fisheries
Alaska's fishing communities particularly threatened
Additional Consequences
Toxic Algae Blooms
Harmful algae thrive in more acidic conditions

Vulnerable Life Stages


Corals are most affected

Food Security
Seafood supplies threatened by disrupted ecosystems
Summary: Why Action Matters

The Stakes
Marine life, food chains, global industries
threatened
The Cause
Fossil fuel CO¢ emissions driving ocean
pH changes
The Solution
Reducing CO¢ emissions critical for ocean
health

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