Ocean Acidification

Part of the series ‘Planetary Boundaries’ 

Since pre-industrial times, surface ocean acidity has already risen by 30%. Beyond a certain concentration, this increasing acidity hinders the growth and survival of organisms like corals, some shellfish, and plankton species. The loss of these species would alter the dynamics and organization of ocean ecosystems and might even result in a sharp decline in fish stocks. A rich ocean is crucial, as billions of humans depend on it for daily life. What are the possibilities for change? 

 

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Learning activity

Breaking Boundaries - Ocean Acidification

  • Get to know how ocean acidification is induced by humans 
  • Find out what the tipping points are for this boundary 
  • Learn about the impact of ocean acidification for different regions 

The oceans eventually dissolve about a quarter of the CO2 that humans release into the atmosphere. Here, it turns into carbonic acid, changing the chemistry of the ocean and bringing the pH of the surface water down. Ocean acidification has implications for the entire planet, in contrast to the majority of other human impacts on the marine environment, which are frequently local in scope. Since atmospheric CO2 concentration is the fundamental controlling factor for both the climate and ocean acidification boundaries, it is also an illustration of how connected the boundaries are. 

Breaking Boundaries

During the academic year 2022-2023, the New Energy Academy will elaborate on the nine planetary boundaries. Inspired by the documentary ‘Breaking Boundaries’ from Sir David Attenborough and Johan Rockström, the New Energy Academy brings you more insights about sustainability and shows you what is needed to become a sustainable and nature-inclusive society. You can find the documentary on Netflix.

Image: J. Lokrantz/Azote based on Steffen et al. 2015.

  • Thu 23 February
  • 15:00 - 16:00 (CET)
  • Online
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Sam Dupont

Senior Lecturer in Marine Eco-Physiology