Post #3: Ocean Acidification… More Serious than you Might Think

Welcome back! As we continue to stay huddled in during this cold and snowy winter, it is never a bad idea to consider some of today’s environmental issues and the implications they have. I’d like to discuss another issue today that you may not have heard of, but that can have critical consequences on vast ecosystems, our economy, and even part of our culture as we know it. 

So far, we have discussed climate change in regard to worsening fire seasons, and have also discussed the issue of air quality, something that is indirectly linked with climate change. Both climate change and what industrialization has put into the air has to do with today’s issue – ocean acidification. 

Essentially, ocean acidification is mainly caused by the excess amount of carbon dioxide that is being put into the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide reacts with ocean water and causes it to become more acidic. So far, pH levels have dropped by about 0.1, and while that may not sound like much, that actually corresponds to a 30% increase in ocean acidity! This is quite dangerous – humans, of course, can still swim in the oceans, but smaller creatures, particularly ones with shells, are at serious risk. The acidity of the ocean is making it progressively more difficult for shelled creatures (e.g. oysters and coral) to build and maintain their protective shells. 

The acidification also affects certain species, such as pteropods, and calcareous plankton, both of which are fundamental to marine ecosystems and food chains. Combine that with increasing ocean temperatures, and you have a recipe for disaster, since many species cannot adapt fast enough to the changing conditions to survive. Resulting declines in populations of these species mean that food chains could possibly collapse as their critical components are removed. While some species, such as certain algae, may actually benefit from higher levels of carbon dioxide and greater acidity, it could potentially be at the cost of a large portion of marine biodiversity.

Excess carbon absorbed by the ocean threatens to turn coral reefs, one of the most diverse and important ecosystems on Earth, into ghostly bleached wastelands.

Figure 1-1. Ocean Acidification and Coral Reefs. Rosemary Sullivant

And, not only are marine food chains affected, but we must not lose sight of the fact that humans also rely heavily on a variety of the affected creatures. The reduction of species, such as oysters, clams, and other shellfish, as well as the alteration of food chains, has vast implications in terms of food sources and the economy. Ocean acidification has already resulted in the loss of millions of dollars in terms of the shellfish industry, which in turn has effects on jobs and revenue. In addition, many of us enjoy a good seafood meal (I know I do), but with increasing ocean acidity, such parts of our culture may become a part of the past. 

Oysters at hatcheries in Oregon and Washington are showing the effects of ocean acidification. (Oregon State University)

Figure 1-2. Ocean Acidification and Oysters. Michele Berger/Oregon State University

To ensure that we properly address the issue, we first need to establish a plan for tackling climate change in general, since this issue is so closely related. By cutting carbon dioxide emissions, we can hopefully slow down the acidification process and preserve at least some of the marine biodiversity. After all, the fact that it not only has environmental, but also significant economical and cultural implications, is striking, and points to the need for further attention and discussion on this problem. We need to act now, though – the longer we wait, the more sea creatures we will lose and the impacts on the economy and our culture will only become more apparent!

Post #2: Air Pollution – An Invisible (usually) Enemy

Welcome back! I hope that everyone is staying safe and warm (a lot of us probably have some snow)! As you may recall, last week’s post discussed climate change, specifically the effects it is having on the Southwest United States in regards to worsening fire seasons. This week, I’d like to discuss a related environmental issue that is actually part of the reason for climate change – air pollution. 

Air pollution doesn’t have to be visible for it to negatively affect the human population. If there’s a lot of smog or smoke, that just means you can see the pollutants that you’re breathing in. In general, however, most places aren’t this way, but poor air quality can cause a variety of health issues in the long term. This includes cardiovascular impacts (including heart attacks/strokes), asthma attacks, lung damage, and an increased chance for cancer. Not only that, but many of these harmful pollutants also serve as greenhouse gases, which are known for enhancing climate change (which is known to cause a variety of adverse effects).

Clean Air Hub: The Basic Facts - Where does air pollution come from?

Figure 2-1. Sources of Air Pollution. Clean Air Hub.

Many of these pollutants come from vehicle emissions, and can also come from industrial factories, among a variety of other sources. Unfortunately, just simply cutting off emissions is obviously not that simple, since it would be impossible to make such a transition to cleaner fuels and production methods in a day. In the meantime, however, organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are implementing guidelines and working with communities to create better air quality standards and to gradually transition to cleaner forms of energy and sustainability. Unfortunately, there are economic limits and numerous ideas as to how best to improve air quality – there’s no one solution to this problem, and this issue therefore requires a thorough synthesis of viewpoints and limitations that must be taken into account. 

Recently, however, we have seen an example of what happens when the air quality improves. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, widespread lockdowns, especially early on in the pandemic, have resulted in people staying home and factories temporarily closing down – thus meaning vastly reduced emissions. The results are actually quite stunning – take a look at the photos and see this for yourself! 09837-cover-opener.jpg

Figure 2-2. New Delhi’s Gate Before and During the Pandemic. Staff/Reuters/Newscom.

So, not only can we improve the overall physical health of the human population worldwide by working to reduce air pollution, but we can also help restore some of the world’s natural beauty. 

And of course, despite how complicated the issue is, there are steps that you can take yourself to help reduce air pollution. I personally think that planting trees is a great idea – this helps restore the natural ecosystem of the planet and adds in an extra filter for carbon dioxide, as well as a source of vital oxygen. Switching to electrical, rather than fuel based, equipment is also quite practical and will also help reduce contributions to air pollution. While this may not seem like much, if many people follow these guidelines and help organize air quality improvements in their communities, this will greatly help in easing the process of solving this issue. It will take a lot of work, but it starts with us.