How Does Ocean Acidification Affect Humans

Like climate change and overfishing, ocean acidification will affect humans as well. Acidification will affect the food we eat since as most of our shellfish requires calcium carbonate to form or to fortify their shells. If shellfish disappear, the ocean food chain is weaker and the fish we catch for food will also be at risk of extinction. Healthy coral reefs are imperative as we rely on them for food, coastal protection, medicines, and tourism dollars.

The oceans play a massive role in the carbon cycle by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the upper layers of the ocean and transporting it to the ocean beds for storage. Phytoplankton absorb CO2 and sunlight to produce oxygen and carbohydrates. This is called the ‘biological carbon pump’.

The efficiency of this pump depends on the amount of CO2 absorbed by phytoplankton and the calcium carbonate that they produce. Acidic waters reduce the biological component that absorbs the CO2, reducing the ocean's capacity to perform its role as a carbon sink. As waters acidify, carbon is taken from reefs and shells made of calcium carbonate and weakens these or makes it harder for shells and reefs to be grown by ocean species.
Ocean acidification is occurring because too much carbon dioxide is being released into the atmosphere. Not only does it cause global warming, but this carbon dioxide also causes ocean acidification. The burning down of forests, like burning fossil fuels, emits a lot of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. To stop acidification of the oceans, the carbon must stay in the forests and fossil fuels. The solution to climate change is also the solution for ocean acidification.