Page 1

The Impact of Ocean

Acidification

By: Reeves Farrell

 Page 2

Table of Contents
Abstract - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Page 3

The Dangers of Acidification - - - - - Page 3-5

Some Solutions- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Page 6-7

Why This Matters - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Page 7-8

Conclusion- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Page 9

References- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Page 10

Table of Figures
Figure 1: Detailing the process of ocean acidification ..... 2
Figure 2: Ocean pH levels.............................................................. 2
Figure 4: How ocean acidification affects marine life ..... 2
Figure 5: Take action ........................................................................ 2
 Page 3

Abstract
Ocean acidification is the decreasing of ocean pH levels due to
increased amounts of carbon dioxide in the water (1). This paper
will detail the effects of ocean acidification on ocean organisms
and explain why it is important that humans combat climate
change. This paper will discuss the current state of our oceans,
as well as where things are heading if ocean acidification is not
stopped. Finally, this paper will discuss ways that both
individuals and society can prevent more damage being done to
Earth’s Ocean environments.

The Dangers of Acidification

Ocean acidification refers to the decreasing of the ocean’s pH
level due to climate change. The pH scale is on a range from 1
to 14, with anything lower than a 7 being acidic, while anything
above a 7 being basic. Ocean acidification occurs is primarily
caused by increased carbon dioxide absorption in the ocean.
Since the 1800’s, humans have exponentially increased the
amount of carbon dioxide produced as waste. As the carbon
dioxide enters sea water, marine organisms become increasingly
unlikely to survive (2). It is important to note that this is a
continuous issue. Our oceans are continuing to acidify, despite
efforts to curb the rate of climate change.
 Page 4

Figure 1: Detailing the process of ocean acidification

As it stands today, our oceans absorb roughly 30% of all the

carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. This is a massive
amount of carbon dioxide entering the oceans regularly. Due to
ocean acidification, the ocean’s average pH lies around 8.1.
While the ocean is currently on the basic side of the scale,
increased carbon dioxide emissions are only making it more
acidic. While it may seem like we are still far away from an
acidic ocean, it is possible we reach a pH below 7 by as early as
2030. This is a drastic change in such a small amount of time.
Marine organism cannot adapt to these conditions that quickly,
potentially leading to the extinction of tons of marine species.
 Page 5

The biggest concern for our oceans is the ability for ocean
organisms to survive. As the pH of the water decreases towards
more acidic levels, the habitats of marine organisms will begin
to change. Many organisms require specific pH levels just to
survive, as specific levels can prove deadly (3). While other
organisms do not perish from decreased pH, they are still
directly affected. Whether by lack of prey for food or the
breakdown of their habitat, every organism is affected by ocean
acidification. The image on page 6 details the change in ocean
pH over just a 5-year period. While these numbers may seem
small for now, they will only increase as climate change
becomes worse.
Now it is easy to think about how little this directly affects
humans. However, as you investigate the matter, it becomes
increasingly obvious how much humanity relies on our oceans.
Not only do we utilize our ocean as a source of food, but we also
gather raw materials from the ocean. By disrupting the natural
balance of the sea, we lose the ability to use resources that help
us daily. Cutting out an extensive food supply such as the ocean
also depilates many countries of their primary exports and
imports. From a climate change perspective, global temperatures
will begin to rise along with the acidification of the ocean,
leading to more dangerous living conditions. Any way you look
at it, humans are being affected, even if we do not see the
immediate dangers.
 Page 6

Figure 2: Ocean pH levels

Some Solutions
As of right now, the biggest way to stop further ocean
acidification is to burn fewer fossil fuels. By adjusting the
amount of carbon dioxide humans release into the atmosphere, it
is possible to slow or even reverse the effects of ocean
acidification. Individuals can ride a bike instead of using their
car to go to work. If that is not an option, taking public transport
reduces the number of cars on road, decreasing carbon output.
Electing representatives who have the power to make such
changes is important. Petitioning for businesses to lower carbon
emissions is another way individuals can try to make a
difference. If every person took a small amount of time to make
some of these decisions, entire countries could reduce carbon
emissions greatly.
It is also important to note that renewable energy can and will be
a way for society to reduce carbon emissions. Sources such as
wind power or solar power can drastically help our environment.
Simple things such as electric cars and wind turbines may be the
reason why our oceans are saved. Another potential power
 Page 7

source could be solar power. Any source of energy that does not
rely on releasing carbon into the atmosphere is a good solution
to the problem of ocean acidification. The sooner we make
transitions to devices like these, the sooner we can change the
course of our climate.

Why This Matters

The diagram below details how the adjusting pH directly affects
the lives of marine organisms. Specifically in this diagram, the
ability for creatures to make shells is highly affected by ocean
acidification. As the pH decreases, shells and external skeleton
begin to breakdown (1). A prime example of this is the
breakdown of coral and coral reefs. The increased acidity leads

Figure 3: How ocean acidification affects marine life

 Page 8

to the bleaching and destruction of coral habitats. These coral

reefs house a multitude of organisms and are one of the most
threatened ecosystems due to climate change. Without these
coral reefs, many animals and plants face extinction.
Therefore, we need to start making both individual changes as
well as nationwide changes. In the solutions section, the use of
wind turbines was mentioned. If every country made an effort to
switch a decent percentage of their energy to purely wind power
we would see a drastic decrease in carbon emissions. By
reducing this carbon output, it is feasible to say that our oceans
may stop the acidification process altogether. If we do not begin
to make these changes, the damage done may be irreversible.

Figure 4: Take action

 Page 9

Conclusion
In conclusion, ocean acidification is a real threat to both our
ocean organisms and the world. It is important that everyone
does their part to fight a battle that we can win. However, there
is only so much time that is left to change the course of climate
change. This is not something that can continue to be put off.
While we may not be directly affected at first, ocean
acidification will lead to long term complications for the world.
It is up to humanity to stop this now before it is too late. All it
takes it one phone call to a senator, one trip on your bike to
work, or one petition to make a difference. We can fix our
climate and our oceans, together.
 Page 10

References
1. https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-
collections/ocean-coasts/ocean-acidification
2. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/what-you-need-know-
about-ocean-
acidification?gclid=CjwKCAiApfeQBhAUEiwA7K_
UH2m479yyxpQxq9W4scfrp-
bmqW5a1wQdtAWYJ69fleA7NNf2hlTr5RoCyg8Q
AvD_BwE
3. https://www.eli.org/events/ocean-acidification-
managing-marine-impacts-climate-
change?gclid=CjwKCAiApfeQBhAUEiwA7K_UH0
OWUnxjvN7Q9odJyYh91L6D-Fup0buD6ghu4W-
9P6nKmTwmcRTSqhoCwDMQAvD_BwE