The document discusses ocean acidification which is caused by the uptake of anthropogenic CO2 by the oceans. Approximately 45% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions between 2000-2010 were absorbed by the oceans, causing the pH of ocean water to decline. This impacts marine life such as coral reefs and organisms with calcareous skeletons, as it decreases their growth rates. The document recommends supporting policies to reduce carbon emissions, conserving coastal ecosystems, and supporting marine conservation to help oceans become more resilient to stressful conditions caused by acidification.

1. Ocean
Acidification
Engineering Green
Buildings
Term Project
Inna Tarasyan

2. Fate of anthropogenic CO2 emissions
(2000-2010)
+
45%
29%
26%
Source: Nature geosciences; Canadell et al. 2007

3. Key concepts
“The ocean acidification is a reduction in ocean pH
due to the uptake of anthropogenic CO2.”
(Hofmann et al. 2010)
Figure 1. Ocean acidification process
Source: University of Maryland

4. Impacts of ocean acidification
 Decreasing uptake of atmospheric carbon
dioxide as saturation level is approached.
 Damage to coral reef ecosystems.
 Slower growth rates for marine organisms
with calcareous skeletons.

5. Damage to coral reef ecosystems
Source: University of Maryland
Figure 2. Distribution of Coral Reefs

6. Reduce fossil fuel emissions
 Support policies to reduce carbon
emissions
 Reduce personal carbon footprint

7. Think globally, act locally
Freshwater and acidic soils lower ocean pH
 Mitigate run-off and erosion
• Riparian buffers, wetlands, etc.
 Conserve natural pH buffering of coastal soils
• Return crushed old shells (e.g., clams)
Source: Green et al. 2009; Kelly et al. 2011

8. Support marine conservation
Biodiversity can help marine
ecosystems be resilient to stressful
conditions

9. QUESTIONS?
Thank you!