Ocean acidification: an underestimated problem

Ocean acidification: an underestimated problem

introduction

Ocean acidification is a global trend that is becoming increasingly worrying. As a byproduct of increasing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, it is causing significant changes and long-term damage to marine ecosystems. Despite the worsening conditions and impacts, ocean acidification remains an underappreciated problem that urgently needs to be brought into global attention.

What is ocean acidification?

Ocean acidification refers to the chemical process in which carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid. Some of this carbonic acid splits into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions. The increase in hydrogen ions in the ocean causes the pH to drop, making the water more acidic.

A healthy and stable marine ecosystem depends on a certain pH value. As pH levels drop and water becomes more acidic, this can have serious impacts on the health and survival of marine life.

The state of the oceans

The oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface and play a crucial role in regulating the global climate. They absorb a large proportion of man-made CO2 emissions and thus act as a buffer against global warming.

According to recent estimates, the oceans have absorbed around a third of all human CO2 emissions since the beginning of industrialization. However, this has caused the ocean's pH to fall by about 0.1 units, a 30% increase in acid intensity. This trend is expected to continue without decisive action to reduce CO2 emissions.

Effects of ocean acidification

Ocean acidification has far-reaching impacts on marine biodiversity and the marine food chain, which can have serious ecological, economic and social consequences.

Impact on marine life

Oceanic organisms, particularly those that require calcium carbonate to form their shells or skeletons, are the most affected by ocean acidification. These include corals, mussels, snails and various types of plankton.

The increase in hydrogen ions in seawater disrupts their ability to form and maintain calcium carbonate, threatening their survival. Ocean acidification is known to affect the growth, reproduction and survival of many marine organisms.

Additionally, research shows that ocean acidification may also impact the behaviors of some marine life by disrupting their sensory abilities. Such changes can impact the ability of marine life to find food, locate mates and avoid predators.

Impact on fisheries production and seafood supply

Ocean acidification could also affect global seafood production and supplies. Much of the world's fisheries and aquaculture production depends either directly or indirectly on organisms affected by ocean acidification.

The decline of coral reefs and the species that live there would have a negative impact on fishing, especially in tropical areas where many people depend on fishing and fish farming. Oysters, mussels and other shellfish could also be affected by ocean acidification, making ocean acidification also a serious economic problem.

What can we do?

The challenge of ocean acidification requires a coordinated and comprehensive global response. Reducing CO2 emissions is the safest and most effective way to combat ocean acidification.

Reduction of CO2 emissions

Limiting global warming to well below 2°C, as agreed in the Paris Agreement, would help significantly reduce the effects of ocean acidification. Solar and wind energy, electric vehicles, energy efficiency and other measures to reduce greenhouse gases are critical to curbing ocean acidification.

Improving ocean health

Making the oceans more resilient is another important step. Creating and protecting marine reserves can help increase the resilience of marine ecosystems to acidification. Additionally, direct actions such as reducing pollution and overfishing can help improve the overall health of the oceans.

Final remarks

Ocean acidification is a serious and growing threat to the world's oceans and the ecosystems and communities that depend on them. It is a clear and urgent warning of the need for radically reduced carbon emissions and greater efforts to improve ocean health. It is time we fully recognize the extent and consequences of ocean acidification and act accordingly.