The phenomenon of acidification brought on by the ongoing emission of CO2 into the atmosphere represents a serious threat to the lives of our oceans.
Madrid — In the process of decarbonizing our planet, marine energies are the key factor.
Oceana is participating in European Maritime Day celebrated in Gijón from May 18 to 20 to show what oceanic acidification is and to present renewable energies as one of the key factors to mitigate the impacts produced by climate change.
CO2 is not only a powerful greenhouse gas: it is the main cause of the phenomenon known as acidification. Oceans act like major CO2 drains. They reduce its concentration in the atmosphere and thus play a major role in mitigating climate change-associated impacts such as global warming. Nevertheless, due to the growing and continuous emission of CO2, this buffering effect threatens to alter the oceans chemistry. This has dire consequences for ecosystems and the oceans’ biodiversity.
“Since the beginning of the industrial age, the oceans have absorbed 30% of the C02 emissions and 80% of the heat generated by greenhouse gases”, explains Xavier Pastor, Executive Director of Oceana Europe. “This has brought about a reduction of marine pH by 0.1 units. If we continue emitting CO2 into the atmosphere at the current pace and intensity, by the end of the century, reductions in the pH of 0.3-0.4 units could be reached. This will be devastating for our oceans.”
…
Marta Madina, OCEANA, 20 May 2010. Full press release.
