Ocean acidification may cause many negative effects

on a variety of marine species and ecosystems, which would have rippling consequences

throughout the entire ocean. One of the most devastating

impacts of rising ocean acidity could be the collapse

of food webs.

For tens of millions of years, Earth's oceans have maintained a relatively

stable acidity level. It's within this steady environment that the rich and varied

web of life in today's seas has arisen and flourished. But research shows that this

ancient balance is being undone by a recent and rapid drop in surface pH that

could have devastating global consequences.

EPA has taken initial steps to limit emissions that cause climate change and ocean acidification.

Caron

“We cannot continue to rely on the oceans to buffer the effects of our pollution indefinitely.”

Johnson, Ashanti, and Natasha D. White. "Ocean Acidification: The Other Climate Change Issue." American Scientist 102.1 (2014): 60-63.

ACIDIFICATION OF THE OCEAN AND

GLOBAL WARMING

“The health of the ocean is spiraling downwards far

more rapidly than we had thought. We are seeing

greater change, happening faster, and the effects are

more imminent than previously anticipated. The

situation should be of the gravest concern to everyone

since everyone will be affected by changes in the

ability of the ocean to support life on Earth.” Alex

Rogers, IPSO Director

“Deadly Trio”

1. Deoxygenation

2. Acidification

3. Warming

Ian Peuser

Intro to Env.

Studies

Acid Rainby; Nick Gordon

- Mixture of wet and dry material that contain higher than

normal amounts of nitric and sulfuric acid

- EPA taking steps to limit amount of NOx and SO2 emitted

into the atmosphere

- Electricity overuse is a huge factor in acid rain production

"Over Earth’s history, ocean life has recovered from numerous sudden extinction episodes by adaptation and evolution of new species, but the time

scales for extinction and re-population are millions of years, not a few hundred years. Human-driven ocean acidification is affecting the ocean far faster than

the Earth’s natural recovery pace can accommodate. Today’s rate of acidification is 10 times faster than anything experienced since the demise of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago.” The Ocean Acidification Reference User

Group, 'Ocean Acidification: Questions Answered‘ (2011)Hood

By Erica Dow

Causes *Overfishing *Pollution *Ocean Warming *Acidification *Hypoxia –when there is deprivation of oxygen

“Under conditions expected in the 21st century, global warming and ocean

acidification will compromise carbonate accretion, with corals becoming increasingly rare on reef systems. The result will be less diverse reef communities

and carbonate reef structures that fail to be maintained.”- O. Hoegh-Guldberg

Nicholas Libby