The graph shows rising levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, rising CO2 levels in the ocean water and decreasing PH levels in the water off coast of Hawaii. (cr: NOAA PMEL Carbon Program)
The increase rise of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is causing ocean acidification. Almost ⅓ of CO2 released by fossil fuels, coal or oil gets dissolved in the ocean. Since the start of the industrial era, the ocean has absorbed 525 billion tons of CO2 from the atmosphere. That is about 22 million tons per day! When carbon dioxide is absorbed in the water, the ph value of the ocean water decreases, turning the water acidic. In the past 200 years, the ocean water has become 30% more acidic.
Process of how CO2 breaks down when it is absorbed into the ocean, causing acidification. (cr: NOAA)
When the ph level decreases, it becomes acidic. This process binds up carbonate ions, making them less abundant. With the decreased amount of carbonate ions, shelled animals like oysters will have trouble building their shells. Oyster larvae failed to begin growing their shells. Even if they grew, their shells would be weak, increasing their chances of being eaten or crushed.
The PH levels are dropping at a rate not experienced by marine organisms for over 20 million years (cr: iucn.org)
Southeast Asian fires has been found to emit most carbon since 1997. About 884 million tonnes of CO2 has emitted, 97% originating from forest fires in Indonesia. Just imagine, the amount of acidity in accumulated in our ocean floor…