Acidification of the oceans: an underestimated problem
Acidification of the oceans: an underestimated problem
introduction
The ocean acidilizing is a global trend that is becoming increasingly worrying. As a by -product of the increasing carbon dioxide -containing emissions into the atmosphere, it leads to significant changes and long -term damage in the marine ecosystems. Despite the deteriorating conditions and effects, the acidification of the sea is an underestimated problem that urgently needs to be focused on global attention.
What is ocean acidification?
The ocean acidification refers to the chemical process, in which carbon dioxide (CO2) reacts with sea water from the atmosphere and forms carbon dioxide. Part of this carbon dioxide divides into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions. The increase in hydrogen ions in the sea means that the pH value decreases, which makes the water more acidic.
A healthy and stable marine ecosystem depends on a certain pH. If the pH drops and the water becomes more acidic, this can have serious effects on health and survival of marine life.
The condition 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 part of the people caused by CO2 emissions and thus act as a buffer against global warming.
According to recent estimates, the oceans have started around a third of the entire human CO2 emissions since the beginning of industrialization. However, this has led to the pH of the oceans decreased by about 0.1 units, which corresponds to a 30%increase in the acidity of the acid. It is expected that this trend will continue to reduce CO2 emissions without decisive measures. Effects of the ocean acidification
The acidification of the oceans has far -reaching effects on the marine biodiversity and the marine food chain, which can have serious ecological, economic and social consequences.
Effects on marine life
Oceanian organisms, especially those that require calcium carbonate to form their shells or skeletons, are most affected by the ocean acidification. This includes corals, mussels, snails and different types of plankton.
The increase in hydrogen ions in sea water disturbs their ability to form and maintain calcium carbonate, which threatens their survival. It is known that ocean acidification affects growth, reproduction and survival of many marine organisms.
In addition, research shows that the acidification of the oceans can also affect the behavior of some marine life by disturbing its sensory skills. Such changes can have an impact on the ability of sea creatures, to find food, to locate partners and to avoid predators. Effects on the fishing production and the supply of seafood
The acidification of the oceans could also affect global production and supply of seafood. A large part of the global fishing and aquaculture production is either directly or indirectly dependent on organisms that are affected by the ocean acidification.
The decline in coral reefs and the species living there would have negative effects on fishing, especially in tropical areas, where many people depend on fishing and fish farming. Oysters, shells and other shellfish could also be affected by the ocean acidification, which also makes the ocean acidification a serious economic problem.
what can we do?
The challenge of ocean acidification requires a coordinated and comprehensive global reaction. Reducing CO2 emissions is the safest and most effective way to combat the ocean acidification.
Reduction of CO2 emissions
The limitation of global warming to well below 2 ° C, as agreed in the Parisian agreement, would help to significantly reduce the effects of ocean acidification. Solar and wind energy, electric vehicles, energy efficiency and other measures to reduce greenhouse gases are crucial to contain the ocean acidification.
Improvement of oceang and
Making the oceans more resistant is another important step. The creation and protection of marine reserves can help increase the resistance of marine ecosystems to acidification. In addition, direct measures such as reducing dirt and overfishing can help improve the general health of the oceans.
final remarks
Ocean acidification is a serious and growing threat to the oceans in the world and the ecosystems and communities dependent on it. It is a clear and urgent warning signal for the need for radically reduced CO2 emissions and greater efforts to improve oceang. It is time that we fully recognize the extent and consequences of the ocean acidification and act accordingly.