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Ocean acidification is a true phenomenon that has numerous detrimental effects. This occurs as a result of the sea’s absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which alters the composition of the water. According to a study on the subject, ocean acidification has gotten to a point where it is having a significant impact on local residents, fishing, marine life, and tourism.
We constantly read news reports about the oceans being severely affected by climate change. Let’s examine the opinions of scientists on this matter.
What s acidification of the oceans?
This is the process in which the ocean absorbs the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and this gas creates a chemical reaction when mixed with water, it reduces the pH of the oceans. This makes oceans more acidic and, as a consequence, the chemical composition of the water changes which damages marine organisms. Consider planktons such as corals, mussels, and oysters, which require calcium carbonate to form their shells. Because many animals rely on marine species for food or shelter, a decrease in calcium carbonate in the ocean will hinder the correct development of marine creatures, endangering the marine ecosystem.
Scientific discovery
To investigate the global limits of ocean acidification, scientists integrated real-world field measurements with computer simulations. This line illustrates how much the ocean may change before becoming hazardous to marine life. Basically, the ocean is deemed to have breached a dangerous boundary if aragonite (calcium carbonate) drops by 20%. Why? since this is necessary for the survival of most animals.
Which place is experiencing this in a faster way?
The greatest changes on the ocean surface occur in polar regions, such as those close to the Antarctic and Antarctica, according to Helen Findlay, an oceanographer from the Plymouth Marine Laboratory in the United Kingdom. However, in the deep water, they also occurred close to the equator and the East Coast of North America, as well as near polar regions.
Gravity of this situation
If we look at the sea from the coast, we won’t immediately notice the increase in ocean acidification, yet there are serious detrimental effects.In addition to harming deep-sea marine species and marine ecosystems, it also has an impact on those who live close to the coast because they rely on fishing and tourism.
Warning!
Scientists have even contradicted the previously cited findings since they are so concerned about the state of the ocean. The study showed 20% reduction of the aragonite is the limit, but scientists disagree and say the limit to become a proper dangerous situation should be 10%.
They caution against acting since the repercussions can be more severe than anticipated. If we wish to maintain the ecological balance of the earth, we should cross the nine planetary boundaries that have been identified. We have already crossed six of them, according to the report, and this acidification would be number seven.
What should be done?
Experts are requesting a prompt solution to this issue and offer the following suggestions to get started:
- Taking action on the most affected regions.
- Protecting places that are still in good conditions to prevent any damage.
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to stop acidification.
Even if we aren’t immediately aware of it, climate change is harming every part of our globe. In order to find solutions that prevent breaching all nine planetary boundaries, institutions should pay attention to scientists and analyze their data. Remember that number nine is not so far because we have already crossed six of them. Though it is a tragedy that will undoubtedly effect us, we are unable to relate to it if we are not the ones immediately impacted.
