Ms. Maryam Cheema, Green Blogger, Environmental Science, GCWUS
Ocean acidification is the continuous decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans, caused by diffusion of carbon dioxide from atmosphere. Each year, the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide approximately 25% that we emit. Its acidity has increased by 30%, due to industrial revolution the rate of acidity will increases in coming decades. This can have a negative impact on marine organisms, especially such as shellfish, molluscs, coral reefs and other organisms like zooplankton and phytoplankton. When the acidity of ocean increases then the organisms require more energy to build their shells. Due to increase in the rate of acidification, the extinction chance of some species may increase.
We can adopt the following measures for our contribution towards this acidification: We can reduce our carbon footprint by switching to energy efficient products, dropping the temperature of our water heaters from 60 degree Celsius to 40 degree Celsius and by switching of appliances at the point of plug. By planting trees through various processes like Reforestation and aforestation. Reducing our vehicle use which is a major cause for emission of carbon dioxide.
A beach clean-up in Malaysia brings young people together to care for their coastline. Even though the ocean may seem far away from your front door, there are things you can do in your life and in your home that can help to slow ocean acidification and carbon dioxide emissions.
The best thing you can do is to try and lower how much carbon dioxide reduce you use every day. Try to reduce your energy use at home by recycling, turning off unused lights, walking or biking short distances instead of driving, use public transportation and support clean energy such as solar, wind and geothermal power.
One of the most important thing you can do is to tell your friends and family about ocean acidification. Because scientists noticed that, a lot of people still don't know it is happening. So talk about it! Educate your classmates, co-workers and friends about how acidification will affect the organisms that live in the ocean.
Maryam Cheema
Department of Environmental Science, GCWUS
The Earth Needs Love