Related Articles
Save the polar ice caps
|
How to reduce the carbon you generate
|
How does tree planting help tackle the climate crisis ?
|
Ocean Acidification
Nearly one third of our CO2 emissions are absorbed by the ocean; resulting in 525 billion tons of CO2 dissolved in the ocean since the industrial era. Our excess CO2 emissions have directly caused the 30% increase in the ocean’s acidity level in the past 200 years. These high levels of acidity can cause severe damage to the ocean’s organisms and ecosystems.
What causes ocean acidification ?
The level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is rapidly increasing, reaching the highest level seen in the past 15 million years. Oceans naturally absorb the CO2 we emit and when this greenhouse gas dissolves in the water, it forms carbonic acid. This reaction causes the ocean to become more acidic and its pH to drop.
If we continue emitting carbon dioxide at the same rate, the ocean’s pH level is projected to drop another 120 percent by the end of this century
What causes ocean acidification ?
The level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is rapidly increasing, reaching the highest level seen in the past 15 million years. Oceans naturally absorb the CO2 we emit and when this greenhouse gas dissolves in the water, it forms carbonic acid. This reaction causes the ocean to become more acidic and its pH to drop.
If we continue emitting carbon dioxide at the same rate, the ocean’s pH level is projected to drop another 120 percent by the end of this century
What are the effects on our environment
Ocean acidification has many repercussions on the ocean’s ecosystems. Shellfish such as mussels and clams will struggle to build their shells as the acidity dissolves the high-magnesium calcite in their shells. Similarly, corals face corrosion of existing skeletons, and slower growth of new ones. A recent study predicts that by 2080, oceans will be so acidic that coral reefs will erode more quickly than they can grow.
Many fish may also face slower growth as they struggle to maintain their body pH and redirect energy needed for digestion, reproduction and swimming to excreting excess acid.
Not only will the ocean acidification have a strong impact on biodiversity but also on humans. Billions of people rely on fish and shellfish as their primary source of protein and could face significant food shortages. In addition, many jobs and economies around the world depend on tourism and activities related to the sea, which could be seriously threatened.
How can you help ?
The most efficient way to help reduce the ocean acidification is by reducing the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
There are many ways to reduce our carbon footprint such as:
Another way to reduce your carbon footprint, is to offset it by planting trees, which is Become Carbon Negative’s mission.
Become Carbon Negative offsets the carbon generated by its customers by planting trees. Trees remove pollutants from the air, create oxygen and provide shade, which reduces the temperatures around them. This offsets the impact of the carbon generated by customers.
The most efficient way to help reduce the ocean acidification is by reducing the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
There are many ways to reduce our carbon footprint such as:
- Walking, biking or using public transport instead of cars
- Limiting air travel
- Supporting clean energy
- Recycling
- Educating the people around you about ocean acidification
Another way to reduce your carbon footprint, is to offset it by planting trees, which is Become Carbon Negative’s mission.
Become Carbon Negative offsets the carbon generated by its customers by planting trees. Trees remove pollutants from the air, create oxygen and provide shade, which reduces the temperatures around them. This offsets the impact of the carbon generated by customers.
