Ocean Acidification Problem Statement

 

The immense burning of fossil fuels has increased the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which affects the ocean because it absorbs carbon dioxide from the air. The extra carbon dioxide in the water causes a decrease in the ocean’s pH, making it more acidic; this act of ocean acidification is altering the chemistry of the water which is harmful to the ocean’s ecosystem.  Ocean acidification relates to the fifth axiom of sustainability; sustainability requires that substances, such as carbon dioxide, introduced into the environment by human activity must be minimized, because these substances are harmful to our biosphere.  This issue is important because the burning of fossil fuels is harming marine wildlife and may lead to the extinction of organisms.  While reducing the use of fossil fuels will help correct this problem, it is possible that over a long period of time, the organisms being affected by the acidity will no longer die because they will evolve and adapt to this new environment.    I want to research how organisms will adapt to this acidity through evolution, and determine alternative ways to protect organisms who cannot adapt fast enough to avoid extinction.