Ocean acidification

Definition

Ocean acidification refers to the process by which the ocean becomes more acidic due to increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. As CO2 is absorbed by seawater, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the ocean. This phenomenon has significant implications for marine ecosystems and can affect biodiversity, food chains, and the health of coral reefs, thus intertwining with broader themes of environmental justice and nature writing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the ocean has absorbed about 30% of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activities, resulting in a decrease in pH levels.
2. Ocean acidification poses a threat to calcifying organisms like shellfish and corals, as lower pH levels hinder their ability to form shells and skeletons.
3. The effects of ocean acidification can disrupt food webs by impacting species that are critical to marine ecosystems, such as plankton.
4. Regions that are already vulnerable due to other environmental stresses may face exacerbated challenges from ocean acidification, highlighting issues of environmental justice.
5. Nature writing often highlights the beauty and fragility of marine environments, making ocean acidification a poignant example of human impact on nature.

Review Questions

• How does ocean acidification affect marine life, particularly calcifying organisms?
  • Ocean acidification impacts marine life significantly, especially calcifying organisms like corals and shellfish. As the ocean becomes more acidic, these organisms struggle to absorb calcium carbonate, which is essential for building their shells and skeletons. This weakening can lead to reduced populations and ultimately disrupt entire marine ecosystems since these species are often foundational to food webs.
• Discuss the relationship between ocean acidification and environmental justice, particularly for communities dependent on marine resources.
  • The relationship between ocean acidification and environmental justice is critical for communities that rely heavily on marine resources for their livelihoods. As ocean acidity increases, fish populations may decline, impacting local fisheries and the economy of coastal communities. This exacerbates existing inequalities since marginalized communities are often less equipped to adapt to such environmental changes or recover from economic losses.
• Evaluate the role of nature writing in raising awareness about ocean acidification and its implications for marine ecosystems.
  • Nature writing plays a vital role in raising awareness about ocean acidification by vividly illustrating the beauty and complexity of marine ecosystems. Through evocative descriptions and personal narratives, authors can convey the urgency of the issue and inspire readers to engage with environmental challenges. By linking personal experiences with broader ecological concerns, nature writing fosters a deeper understanding of how human actions directly impact marine life and encourages a collective response to protect these vital ecosystems.

Related terms

pH level: A measure of how acidic or basic a substance is, with lower values indicating higher acidity.

carbon sequestration: The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide to mitigate climate change.

marine biodiversity: The variety of life forms found in ocean ecosystems, including different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms.