A research team led by the University of Victoria has a $540,000 grant to study how quickly oceans absorb carbon dioxide produced by human activity and what the implications could be for the future of the Earth.
The three oceans bordering on Canada absorb a massive amount of carbon dioxide but not enough is known about how quickly this happens or long-term implications for ocean acidification and marine life, the Vancouver Sun reported on July 15.
The project aims to bring together government, researchers and students to determine how to better model how rising rates of carbon dioxide will impact oceans around Canada.
According to a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change current ocean acidification rates caused by carbon dioxide are unprecedented in modern history and likely to have a serious impact on the environment, people and the economy.
The report warns that warming temperatures and declining pH and carbonate ion concentrations represent risks to the productivity of fisheries and aquaculture, and the security of regional livelihoods given the direct and indirect effects of these variables on physiological processes.
Project funds come from a $4.7 million partnership of Environment Canada, Energy Canada, Health Canada and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.
The Cordova Times, 23 July 2019. Article.
