Introduction
The symbiosis between the ocean’s majesty and humanity’s existence is undeniable, yet our industrialization has brought about a sinister twin to climate change — ocean acidification.
The Unseen Peril of our Oceans
In the oceanic depths, acidification silently threatens marine life. The once sturdy coral structures and bountiful aquatic life teeter on the brink of destruction. Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are the puppeteers behind this delicate dance. Increased CO2 in waterways is not only disrupting ecosystems but also jeopardizing human livelihoods that depend on the bounty of the seas.
From the azure depths of the Pacific Ocean to Washington’s shellfish hatcheries, no aquatic domain is immune to this threat. Statistics show that since the Industrial Revolution, the ocean’s pH level has dropped from 8.2 to around 8.05 — a seemingly minuscule shift but one that signifies a 40% increase in acidity. And as projections hint at a 150% increase in acidity by the end of the century, our alarm bells should be ringing.
Tracing the Ripple Effects
The ripple effects of acidification are far-reaching, impacting not only marine life but also our food chain. Marine creatures such as pteropods, known as the “potato chips of the sea”, are facing the brunt of this change. These minute planktonic snails form the diet for a variety of marine life, from salmon to seabirds. Thus, their decline could spell disaster for marine ecosystems and human consumption alike.
The impact is most profoundly felt in communities that rely heavily on seafood, like Alaska’s indigenous Iñupiat Community (EAC). Salmon, a primary source of livelihood and sustenance, is seeing a disturbing decline in both size and numbers, a change possibly linked to ocean acidification. With more than a third of Alaska’s $5 billion seafood industry resting on salmon, the stakes are high.
Towards a Solution: Emission Reduction and Beyond
The cure for ocean acidification is both simple and complex: reduce our carbon dioxide emissions. While reducing fossil fuel consumption remains pivotal, the solution may also lie in some innovative and nature-assisted methods:
- Seagrass cultivation: Seagrass captures carbon 35 times faster than tropical rainforests. To significantly reduce current CO2 emissions, we need a new approach. A large part of the world’s oceans should be filled with these plants.
- CO2 capture technology: Companies like Project Vesta are exploring methods to capture CO2 directly from the sea, potentially helping restore pre-Industrial Revolution oceanic pH levels.
However, it’s important to note that any efforts to reduce carbon in the ocean will have a limited impact without parallel efforts to reduce atmospheric carbon. As climatic changes and ocean acidification share the common root of carbon emissions, our solution must be multi-faceted and aggressive.
Why Should We Care?
Sharing this video and the insights it provides can enlighten others about the silent threat looming over our oceans. It’s not just about protecting our marine ecosystems or securing the livelihoods of fishing communities. It’s about safeguarding our future and the planet we call home. The knowledge we gain from this video could be the key to inspiring action and inciting change, reminding us all that the fight against climate change begins with understanding.
Sources: Youtube Video: Climate change: what is ocean acidification?, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Project Vesta
Remember: The battle against ocean acidification