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Ocean Acidification Research Paper

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Ocean Acidification
Ocean Acidification is an ongoing pressing issue that has been present within our underwater ecosystems for decades. The issue of ocean acidification poses multiple challenges to marine life along with straining the incomes of fishermen and shellfish farmers. The crucial matter that we are experiencing firsthand is that marine life is being threatened every day. (Kroeker, Kordas, Crim, & Singh, 2010). These threats are being imposed by a rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration levels which as a result, reduces the pH levels of the ocean and is therefore threatening calcification rates, dissolution, development, and survival. (Kroeker, Kordas, Crim, & Singh, 2010). As oceans are consuming more carbon dioxide, …show more content…
(Kolieb, Huelsenbeck, & Selz, 2010). It does not matter how big or small the organism is, ocean acidification is a threat on all marine life. Direct effects include the inability to strengthen the shells of animals such as crabs, shellfish, clams and many more. The increase in acidity is also leading to the reduction of certain fish being able to breathe. (Kolieb, Huelsenbeck, & Selz, 2010). "These direct and indirect impacts could all result in animals becoming less fit to survive which could lead to population level consequences and ripple effects throughout marine ecosystems." (Kolieb, Huelsenbeck, & Selz, 2010). At one point it was considered that fish were not affected by ocean acidification. They thought that fish were resistant to acidification effects. Research later showed that these fish are actually becoming more overwhelmed by these rising acidic levels. (Kolieb, Huelsenbeck, & Selz, 2010). Our human population is also suffering the effects of ocean acidification. Ocean acidification is affecting not only our production and intake of these goods but also the decline in revenue for fish farmers. "Some 500 million people worldwide depend on reefs for coastal protection, food and income; economists value reefs at between 30 to 172 billion dollars per year. "(Kolieb, Huelsenbeck, & Selz, …show more content…
(Levy, pp. 310-322). "These consequences adversely affect agricultural production, access to safe water, and worker productivity, and, by inundating land or making land uninhabitable and uncultivatable, will force many people to become environmental refugees." (Levy, pp. 310-322).Becoming a refugee to the environment is an extremely dangerous issue that we need to avoid. Social justice needs to be served in order to combat what the future could result too. "Adverse health effects caused by climate change include heat-related disorders, vector-borne diseases, foodborne and waterborne diseases, respiratory and allergic disorders, malnutrition, collective violence, and mental health problems." (Levy, pp. 310-322). Not being able to have access to a fundamental necessity of life like safe water it morally unjustifiable. These high risk issues are ones that can be avoided if the right type of action is taken. Overall, environmental justice is an issue that needs to be dealt with on a global level. So much damage has already been done that we have to focus on how we can provide a brighter future for future generations. In order for our environment to thrive, human participation and action needs to be put into

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