A Need For Action
ocean and climate are intrinsically linked
The ocean is a major driver and amplifier to our climate system, and at the same time, the ocean is impacted by changes to our climate.
Ocean acidification is a direct result of human-caused carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and is altering the chemical balance of seawater that marine life depends upon for survival.
When CO2 combines with seawater it sets off a chemical reaction which makes seawater more acidified. We call this process “ocean acidification” or OA. The chemical reactions that occur lower the pH of seawater and decrease the availability of carbonate ions, which many species like shellfish, finfish and coral need to grow, reproduce and thrive.
Increasing acidification combined with other climate-change driven changes in ocean conditions, including warmer temperatures and reduced oxygen levels, is already having significant, adverse impacts on fisheries, aquaculture, and marine ecosystems.
Projections for the end of this century indicate that our oceans’ surface waters could be 150 times more acidified than before industrialization. New science from the IPCC Special Report on Ocean and Cryosphere shows we are falling short of actions needed to protect ocean resources and ecosystems and provide maximum resiliency to coastal communities, which is narrowing our window to act.
There is a need for action:
70% of the Earth is covered by ocean
2.6 billion people rely on the ocean for their primary protein source
2.5 trillion dollars in economic activity is supported by the ocean each year
50% of the Earth's oxygen is generated by our ocean
Ocean Acidification IMPACTs SERVICES THAT HUMANS DEPEND ON
Communities are already experiencing negative impacts of climate change impacting marine jobs, livelihoods, cultural traditions and food security and sovereignty.
impacts will worsen without urgent action
That’s why members of the OA Alliance are leading discussions across climate and ocean platforms, ensuring that climate and ocean commitments, policies and communications accurately reflect their interdependence.
Through the development of OA Action Plans, OA Alliance members are proactively responding to the impacts of OA and promoting solutions that advance knowledge into local action.