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. Deoxygenation2. Acidification3. Warming

Ian PeuserIntro 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

Threats to Marine Life from Ocean Acidification due to Global Warming

By Erica Dow

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

ERICA DOW

Acidification of Coral Reefs“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