Our Response to Ocean Acidification

To conclude my last two blogs on the effects of ocean acidification on corals reefs, fish, and also other marine calcifiers, I am going to discuss several different steps and strategies to combating the issue. Everyone is aware of the effects of CO2 on the environment, and the potential damage it can have if CO2 levels continue to rise. The main causes of high levels of CO2 can be attributed largely to the burning of fossil fuels and an increase in human activity worldwide. CO2 levels are currently at about 385 ppm, which is way higher than scientists would like it to be. Estimates show that in less than 30 years we will see CO2 levels in the ocean over 450 ppm, which is too high for calcifiers to secrete their exoskeletons or shells. This would cause a collapse of many coral reef ecosystems and the organisms who rely on them to survive.

      If we act now to prevent CO2 levels in the atmosphere from continuing to rise, we can save the marine calcifiers and potentially reverse the damage that has already been done. The Waxman-American Clean Energy and Security Act was passed by the House of Representatives, and the Senate has also announced its willingness to act on this issue as well. The government panel has concluded that in order to save the reef ecosystems and stabilize CO2 levels at 350 ppm, emissions need to fall 85% lower than they were in 2000. As much as this may seem impossible, it is not. You can contact your Senator based on location, via email, phone call, or even visiting their office. Explaining your concern for high CO2 levels effect on the ocean and urging your Senator to move strong climate legislation to reduce green house gases can have a great influence on future laws and acts passed in order to bring atmospheric CO2 to safer concentrations. 

                                                    References: 

     
      Repass, R., Rodgers, Sally-Christine., (2012). Act Now to Stop Ocean Acidification. Retrieved from http://www.coral.org/node/4258

      Hance, Jeremy. (2008). Stopping Ocean Acidification Would Save Billions of Dollars in Revenue. Retrieved from http://news.mongabay.com/2008/1112-hance_oceans.html