Currently, the ocean's pH level is sitting at 8.1. However, scientists have predicted that it will drop to 7.6 by 2100 - A drastic change (“Ocean Acidification”, EdPuzzle).

In this padlet we will analyse the causes, effects and possible solutions to ocean acidification.

Our greatest CO2 sinks are trees. Trees are able to absorb CO2 through a process called photosynthesis. Essentially, this allows the tree's leaves to absorb the carbon dioxide and turn it into essential sugars for the trees' growth.

Despite this good process that trees have developed to clean our atmosphere, it is slowly becoming less and less effective. This is not due to increased carbon emissions (although it can be a contributor) but rather another big problem in the world today - deforestation

With the drastic losses of forests and jungles, a multitude of trees that aid in cleansing CO2 are no longer alive, therefore cannot perform photosynthesis.

Coral reefs and other marine organism's growth depends on calcium carbonate through a process called calcification. Limestone is the base of the skeletons of coral reefs, but with increased carbon dioxide levels in the ocean, the calcification process is slowed. And of coral reefs are eroding faster than they can be produced, we will no longer have any left.

Losing coral reefs might not affect us directly, but they are one of the marine ecosystems that thousands of species rely on for food and shelter. This would be detrimental to the entire ocean ecosystem.

Mollusks (oysters and mussels) face problems with developing shells. Their bony-shell structure becomes weak due to the acidity, and ultimately result in dying before they can fully develop.

Food: Marine creatures make up a big part of the planet's diet (specifically mollusks) and the acidity in the ocean is proving to be a big problem. Fishermen are collecting more and more dead mollusks and cannot sell them. This economically affects the fishermen and the consumers. "By 2100, the global annual costs of mollusc loss from ocean acidification could be over US$100 billion for a business-as-usual (RCP8.5) CO₂ emissions pathway" (“Ocean Acidification and Its Effects | CoastAdapt”)

Tourism: Many worldwide touristic spots involve reef and marine life thriving in oceans. Scuba Diving is one of the most popular activities to explore the intricate world of coral reefs. But with the current situation, the corals may start to die down before they can reconstruct, resulting in a decrease in touristic income.

Climate change: Since the oceans are absorbing so much CO₂ , their ability to regulate climate change starts to decline. The more acidic oceans will not be able to help balance climate change as effectively as today (which isn't saying much).

Lastly, there are also some areas of the world where reefs actually offer protection from storms and cyclones, preserving properties and minimizing damages. This ability to limit damage has actually contributed to saving over $9 billion per year (“Ocean Acidification and Its Effects | CoastAdapt”)

Seaweed growth for carbon sequestration:

Using marine macroalgae, seaweed that can grow more than half a meter per day, the CO₂ storage can be a possible option using the ocean. This way, the algae can also absorb some of the CO₂, and contribute to cleaning the ocean.

Microalgae cultivation and carbon sequestration:

Phytoplankton production can also be a viable option to cleaning our ocean. As they grow, they take in carbon dioxide and use it to provide themselves with nutrients to thrive. If we can start focusing places were the acidity level is quite high (or low on the pH scale) by growing phytoplankton, we could have a way of slowing down the ocean acidification.

Ocean alkalinity enhancement:

When carbon (from rocks) is absorbed into the ocean, alkali residue is also washed in. Alkali molecules increase the capacity of carbon dioxide that the ocean can absorb, therefore increasing production of these molecules (through enhanced technology such as alkaline materials or liquids) can contribute to a cleaner ocean.

Direct ocean capture:

This is something that the ocean is currently already doing. CO₂ acidic streams in the ocean can be captured and stored in deep rocks or used to break down alkaline rocks, instead of attacking ecosystems. Basically, it is the natural process to increase the time we have to save the ocean.

Blue carbon ecosystems:

This process involves already existing coastal ecosystems (such as mangroves) to use photosynthesis via the CO₂ in the water and absorb it, ultimately removing it from the water.

"The burning of coal, natural gas, and oil for electricity and heat is the largest single source of global greenhouse gas emissions." (“Ocean Acidification”) 34% of the current greenhouse gases being burned are used for electricity and heat. However, 5% of that energy is actually being wasted.

Being more efficient in controlling the energy we spend in our day to day lives can actually have a bigger impact than we think. Slowly, I believe it would be possible to reduce that 5% of greenhouse gases burnt to 0% wasted.

The second option of reducing greenhouse gases would be livestock. In the USA alone, livestock accounts for 12-17% of greenhouse gas emissions. By controlling the animals being bred for food, we could reduce the impact on the ocean and our world as a whole.