• The article discusses how the changes in global climate have caused ocean acidification, which is adversely affecting marine life.
• It highlights the effects of ocean acidification on coral reefs and other marine ecosystems, as well as its impact on food security and human health.
• It also outlines potential solutions that can be implemented to address this issue.
Overview
This article provides an overview of ocean acidification and its impacts on our environment, food security, and human health.
What is Ocean Acidification?
Ocean acidification occurs when carbon dioxide from the atmosphere dissolves into seawater and forms carbonic acid, resulting in a decrease in pH. This process has been exacerbated by increased emissions of greenhouse gases due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. As a result, the pH levels of the oceans have dropped significantly over the past century.
Effects on Marine Life
The changes in ocean chemistry caused by ocean acidification are having major impacts on marine ecosystems around the world. Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to these changes, as they rely on calcium carbonate produced by algae for their growth—and this process is inhibited by lower pH levels in seawater. Other species like shellfish are also being affected; their shells may become too thin or brittle to protect them from predators or harsh environmental conditions. These impacts will ultimately affect food security for humans, who rely heavily on seafood for protein sources worldwide.
Impact On Human Health
Ocean acidification can also have serious implications for human health through its effects on seafood availability and quality, including reduced nutritional value or toxicity due to bioaccumulation of toxins like mercury in fish tissues. There is still much research that needs to be done to understand all potential impacts of ocean acidification on our wellbeing, but it is clear that it could have drastic consequences if left unchecked.
Potential Solutions
Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases is essential to mitigate further damage from ocean acidification—but this alone will not be enough to reverse existing trends or restore balance in our marine ecosystems. To do this we must also explore ways to reduce CO₂ already present in our oceans, such as through techniques like seeding with iron filings or natural alkalinity enhancement (NAE). We must also focus research efforts towards finding better ways of managing fisheries resources sustainably so that they can remain productive over time despite changing environmental conditions brought about by climate change and ocean acidification.