24 - Ocean Acidification

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Ocean acidification is sometimes referred to as "the other carbon problem". It is not strictly speaking a consequence of climate change, but another consequence of CO2 emissions.

Earth from Space
As atmospheric carbon dioxide rises, Earth’s oceans are absorbing more carbon, changing the chemistry of ocean water. Observations from satellites can be used to measure parameters that indicate changing ocean water, such as temperature, salinity and chlorophyll content. Satellite and in-situ surface observations are combined using a machine learning technique to generate global monthly maps that characterise the changing chemistry of the ocean. Ocean acidification is shown by the steady fall in seawater pH values over the last 30 years.
Credits :© ESA/Planetary Visions
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1
Cause

Ocean Acidification

The word "Ocean" is written on both sides.

1
Consequence

Calcification difficulties

Ocean Acidification

3
Wrong causes

Ocean Acidification

Players often identify CO2 concentration as a cause for ocean acidification. But it is more logical to link back to carbon sinks.

Ocean Acidification

The increase of water temperature is not linked to ocean acidification, at least for the time being. In the long term (over several centuries), as it heats up, the water will lose its capacity to dissolve atmospheric CO2 and will become less efficient as a carbon sink. So the increase in water temperature will inhibit, to some extent, ocean acidification.

Ocean Acidification

Why not but rather link Card 12 (Carbon sinks) to card 24. It is meant for it.