The Oceans by Clarence Jackson

Today, concerns over global warming always deal with the issue of the emissions released in the atmosphere and the Earth’s climate raising temperature, a topic in Earth Science class. However, what is rarely discussed is the ocean, which absorbs almost thirty percent of the carbon dioxide released into the air. Earth science focuses on the natural sciences and the importance of the ocean to human life. Unfortunately, the amount of carbon dioxide that is absorbed by the ocean has increased yearly. Carbon dioxide dissolves in the ocean, and increases the acidity of the ocean. Increased levels of acid in the ocean hurt marine life because carbonate atoms are destroyed with increased levels of acid in the oceans. Scientists across the world have been researching the different effects of the acid in the ocean. For example, it has shown that fish near the coral reef develop osteoporosis, a weakening of the calcium in the shells. Research also shows that clownfish and krill have not developed correctly in highly acidic oceans. Also, there has been a decline in the tiny snails that are food for the larger fish in the ocean. The decline in food for larger fish makes acidity a huge problem today.

The microbes in the ocean produce about fifty percent of the oxygen we breathe. This is a significant problem for humans if the ocean is not taken care of. Also, marine life provides humans with omega-3 for an enriched diet. Therefore, the oceans must be protected and conserved. The Environmental Protection Agency has increased awareness of acidity in oceans. The EPA has encouraged coastal towns to test the acidity in the oceans. Different solutions to the acid problems have been proposed, such as creating sunshields for the Earth. However, the acid already present in the ocean is irreversible and sunshields are not guaranteed to work. The only true solution is to generate power and electricity while burning the least amount of fossil fuels. Increased air pollution that is absorbed by the ocean will not only harm the marine life, but also danger the entire human population.

I believe that there needs to be steps in preventing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in the air. Besides the major problems that it causes to the Earth's climate, carbon dioxide dissolving in the ocean directly increases the acidity of the ocean. Obviously, the ocean is extremely vital for human survival. The ocean must be conserved and protected, because once the damage is done, it is irreversible. We get oxygen sources and minerals from the marine life in the ocean. Also, the ocean is used as forms of transportation and recreation. Therefore, it is extremely valuable to human life.

Haymet, Tony. "The Oceans' SOS." Los Angeles Times. 13 Dec. 2010. .http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-haymetdickson-oceans-20101213,0,956649.story