This article discusses the University of Colorado Boulder’s research on the rising acidity level in the Arctic coastal waters. When compared to the 90s, they predicted that by the end of the century, acidity could increase by over 100%. This is a serious threat to the very diverse marine life that lives in the Southern Ocean. The study mainly focused on the upper 650 feet of the ocean; this area is extremely important for marine organisms, and without globally cutting emissions, the acidification will continue to escalate and affect even more ocean life. They warn that even protected marine areas could feel the consequences of climate change and acidification which will endanger many vital ecosystems.
This is related to environmental science because the effect of climate change on complex marine ecosystems is very relevant to the health of so many other ecosystems, and even us. It discusses not only the human impact primarily throughout the 21st century, but also the chain reaction between one animal or organism being affected by the rising acidity, and the other animals in that ecosystem that are also vulnerable. It also stresses the importance of reducing CO2 emissions and addressing climate change, which is a subject that is very important when discussing environmental science.
Ralls, E. (2024, January 14). Antarctic water acidity levels will soon double, greatly harming marine life. Earth.com. https://www.earth.com/news/acidity-levels-of-antarctic-waters-will-soon-double-harming-life/
Just goes to show this is a global issue since we know they’re not emitting too much CO2 at the South Pole. Did the article mention if the pH is changing faster there than in other parts of the globe. I know the climate change is happening faster at the poles, maybe this too?
This was a well written abstract, and your commentary shows you are in the know, Violet. Thanks for delivering on this. Hope you feel like you learned a lot about the ocean following this topic.