Ocean Acidification Definition

The oceans have reduced the effects of global warming for thousands of years by absorbing carbon dioxide. Now the basic chemistry of the oceans is changing because of our activities, with devastating consequences for marine life. What Causes Ocean Acidification? Its no secret that global warming is a major issue. A main cause of global warming is our release of carbon dioxide, primarily through the burning of fossil fuels and the burning of vegetation. Over time, the oceans have helped this problem by absorbing excess carbon dioxide. According to NOAA, the oceans have absorbed nearly half of the fossil fuel emissions weve generated over the past 200 years. As the carbon dioxide is absorbed, it reacts with the ocean water to form carbonic acid. This process is called ocean acidification. Over time, this acid causes the pH of the oceans to decrease, making ocean water more acidic. This can have drastic consequences on corals and other marine life, with cascading impacts on the fishing and tourism industries. More About pH and Ocean Acidification The term pH is a measure of acidity. If youve ever had an aquarium, you know that pH is important, and pH needs to be adjusted to optimal levels for your fish to thrive. The ocean has an optimal pH, too. As the ocean becomes more acidic, it becomes more difficult for corals and organisms to build skeletons and shells using calcium carbonate. In addition, the process of acidosis, or buildup of carbonic acid in body fluids, may affect fish and other marine life by compromising their ability to reproduce, breathe and fight diseases. How Bad is the Ocean Acidification Problem? On a pH scale, 7 is neutral, with 0 the most acidic and 14 the most basic. The historical pH of sea water is about 8.16, leaning on the basic side of the scale.The pH of our oceans has fallen to 8.05 since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. While this may not seem like a big deal, this is a change greater in magnitude than any time in the 650,000 years before the Industrial Revolution. The pH scale is also logarithmic, so that slight change in pH results in a 30 percent increase in acidity. Another problem is that once the oceans get their fill of carbon dioxide, scientists think the oceans could become a carbon dioxide source, rather than a sink. This means the ocean will contribute to the global warming problem by adding more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Effects of Ocean Acidification on Marine Life The effects of ocean acidification can be dramatic and far-reaching, and will affect animals such as fish, shellfish, corals, and plankton. Animals such as clams, oysters, scallops, urchins and corals that rely on calcium carbonate to build shells will have a difficult time building them, and protecting themselves as the shells will be weaker. In addition to having weaker shells, mussels will also have a reduced ability to grip  as the increased acid weakens their byssal threads. Fish will also need to adapt to the changing pH and work harder to remove acid out of its blood, which can impact other behaviors, such as reproduction, growth and food digestion. On the other hand, some animals such as lobsters and crabs may adapt well as their shells become stronger in more acidic water. Many of the possible effects of ocean acidification are unknown or still being studied. What Can We Do About Ocean Acidification? Lowering our emissions will help the ocean acidification problem, even if that just slows the impacts long enough to give species time to adapt. Read the Top 10 Things You Can Do to Reduce Global Warming for ideas on how you can help. Scientists have acted swiftly on this issue. The response has included the Monaco Declaration,  in which 155 scientists from 26 countries declared in January 2009 that: Ocean acidification is accelerating and severe damages are imminent;Ocean acidification will have broad socioeconomic impacts, affecting marine food webs, causing substantial changes in commercial fish stocks and threatening food security for millions of people;Ocean acidification is rapid, but recovery is slow;Ocean acidification can be controlled only by limiting future atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The scientists called for intense efforts to research the problem, evaluate its impacts and cut emissions drastically to help curb the problem. Sources: Fabry, V.J., Seibel, B.A., Feely, R.A. and J.C. Orr. 2008. . Impacts of ocean acidification on marine fauna and ecosystem processes. ICES Journalof Marine Science, 65: 414–432.Feely, R.A., Sabine, C.L, and V.J. Fabry. 2006. Carbon Dioxide and Our Ocean Legacy. (Online) NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory Science Brief. Accessed March 7, 2009.McAuliffe, K. 2008. Ocean Acidification: A Global Case of Osteoporosis. (Online) Discover. Accessed March 7, 2009.Monaco Declaration. 2008. Monaco Declaration on Oceans. Accessed July 21, 2015.Smithsonian Ocean Portal. Ocean Acidification.  Accessed July 21, 2015.

Relationship between Mankind and Our Ecosystems - 967 Words

Our society is concerned about the condition and the relationship between mankind and our ecosystems. As a species we have far suppressed our predators and we have increased in population. We have dominated many of our ecosystems that have been destroyed and severely damaged by mankind. This has lead to societies that have struggled for subsistence. Here in the United States the per capita rate of use is the highest in the world. (M. Kaufmann, R. Graham, D. Boyce, W. Moir, L. Perry, R. Reynolds, R. Bassett, P. Mehlhop, C. Edminster, W. Block, and P. Corn April 4, 2014). It is important for us to recognize that the human interest in ecosystems be observed, even if it requires altering certain human progress to stop within bounds with the physical and biological abilities of an ecosystem. Our thinking today about renewable energy has been fed to us by poor thoughts and misinterpitation of our recent history. An era of industrialization during the nineteenth century was do minated by coal later turning to oil or any other type of natural power. One of the final factors in not switching to renewable energy as fast as we would like to see is the economics for large corporation and nations to stop using fossil fuels. This would be devastating to their investments. America is not ready for that. Even though America and the rest of the world are still quiet dependent on fossil fuels the need for alternative energy is out there. Windmills from the days of oldShow MoreRelatedThe Relevance Of Photosynthesis And Nature1545 Words   |  7 Pagesstreaming to the earth and to store the most elusive of all powers in rigid form.† This turns out to be â€Å"an economic provision to which the existence of mankind is inexorably bound.† (Rabinowitch and Govindjee, 9). We will examine how this process keeps our planet alive and will also demonstrate how plants ‘distribute’ energy to all members of the ecosystem through a series of ch ain reactions. The following chemical equation gives us a general overview of the entire process: CO2 + H2O + ENERGY (PHOTONS)Read MoreThe Birthmark Is More Than A Blemish1727 Words   |  7 Pagesopposing entity from mankind. In spite of this, humans have acted with a sense of ownership over nature for centuries, depleting, manipulating and polluting the natural world. This human interaction with nature is depicted in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story, The Birth Mark†. Using allegory and symbolism, Hawthorne illustrates the stain that humanity places on nature’s purity. A relationship between a man and a woman serves as an allegory for the relationship between mankind and nature, a discrepancyRead MoreGlobal Climate Change : The Global Warming1633 Words   |  7 Pagesenvironment is to protect our lives the prolonged existence of humankind. Nowadays, people with the invention of modern science and technology, are more devoted to humanity, but the effect it has, has little impact on the environment such as air pollution, water pollution, light pollution and noise pollution†¦ man himself is quietly changing the climate without knowing all the impact mankind makes in everyday life. About 100 years of human impact on sensitive balance between the natural greenhouse effectRead MoreThe Importance of Ecosystem Management and Protection.1510 Words   |  7 Pagesgrowth in scientific knowledge has helped humanity comprehend the complex relationships in ecosystems and the devastating effects of human interference. As a result we have become increasingly aware of the need to protect and manage the ecosystems that we do have remaining for their utility, genetic, intrinsic and heritage values and also for the need to allow natural change and thus evolution to take place. Natural ecosystems have provided much that has been of b enefit to humanity and with carefulRead MoreIs Modern Human Civilization?1473 Words   |  6 Pagesunparalleled by any period of development in all of history. Unfortunately, the quick advancement of our technology over the past 250 years has resulted in unforeseen consequences that prove to be one of the biggest threats facing the world today. The mistreatment of the diverse environments on our planet and the reckless exploitation of resources such as fossil fuels have resulted in the rapid degradation of our environmental health that is endangering life all over the globe. In response to these unprecedentedRead MoreTechnology Has Changed Our Lives1669 Words   |  7 Pagestechnology has evolved with us. Introducing itself primitively with rocks and sticks to compensate for what our hands were not able to do, and ultimately progressing into computers and smartphones to accomplish much more intricate tasks. These devices are now at our disposal, being seen in almost every househol d and every pocket in the world, but how much does technology actually affect us in our everyday lives? It could be more poignant than most may think. A theory is being considered that technologyRead MoreClimate Change Essays1637 Words   |  7 Pageschange, such as rising sea levels and the melting of glaciers, that will ultimately result in a non-sustainable environment and negative health consequences for mankind. Life on earth depends on climate, and changes in it directly effect the health and well-being of the population, biodiversity, and the delivery of services by ecosystems around the world.(climate change climate modes) The goal of this research paper is to analyze global warming from the perspectives of social science, natural scienceRead MoreGlobal Climate Change : The Global Warming1472 Words   |  6 Pagesto realize and understand that environmental protection is to protect our lives. Nowadays, people with the invention of modern science and technology, there are more devoted to humanity, but the effect it has little impact on the environment such as air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution ... man himself is quietly changing climate without knowing. From about 100 years of human impact on this sensitive balance between the natural greenhouse effect and solar radiation. The change in the concentrationRead MoreThe Effects Of Air Pollution On The Environment Essay1198 Words   |  5 Pagescontinues to follow, the recoverable reserves of resources will continue to decline, the sustainability of the supply of resources, will seriously endanger human survival and development. Environmental pollution will cause direct damage to the ecosystem and impact, such as desertification, forest destruction, water eutrophication, will also give ecological systems and human society caused by indirect harm, and sometimes this indirect environmental effects than the harm caused Of the direct harmRead MoreHow Traditional MÄ ori Ethics and Values Have Been Applied in Contemporary MÄ ori Land Development1400 Words   |  6 Pagesdefine ethics and values and describe MÄ tauranga and Kaupapa MÄ ori with reference to sustainable development of MÄ ori land, in today’s world. (The Encyclodedia of New Zealand, 2014) World View World view is the way in which we view the world, it is our perspective of what is seen and experienced as we walk through life. For people and cultures a world view is developed from Whanau, Whakapapa and Iwi, as well as external factors. MÄ ori World view is holistic and is founded in their philosophy of creation

Community Development free essay sample

Development Planning Lecture 1: Understanding the key concepts of Community, Community Development Economic Development Course Learning Outcomes †¢ Explain the key concepts of social infrastructure in spatial planning †¢ Analyze social infrastructure issues in spatial planning †¢ Identify the various challenges of social infrastructure in spatial planning practices Community †¢ Various definitions: ? People who live within a geographically defined area and who have social and psychological ties with each other and with the place where they live (Mattessich and Monsey, 2004) ?A grouping of people who live close to one another and are united by common interests and mutual aids (National Research Council 1975) †¢ These definitions refer to people and the ties that bind them, then only to geographic locations †¢ It means, without people and the connections/ties, community will be only a collections of buildings and streets. †¢ However community does no t necessarily means â€Å"living physically close to one another†.It also refers to social connections at other than living place such as workplace, sports centre, clubs or groups, or political affiliations. We will write a custom essay sample on Community Development or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page †¢ Community can also be created through special interest or conditions such as disability, gender, belief †¢ In this era of social media (such as FB, Twitter) madness, communities can be created on virtual platform. Community Development (CD) †¢ Community Development is defined and described as.. – the process of developing stronger communities of people and the social and psychological ties they share. The educational process to enable citizens to address problems by group decision-making – Involvement in a process to achieve improvement in some aspect of community life – All these processes will result in an outcome which is the improvement of community capital. Community Capital Human Capital †¢ Labour supply, skills, experience, capabilities Physical Capital †¢ Buildings, streets, infrastructure Financial Capital †¢ Community financial institutions, micro loan funds, community development banksEnvironmental Capital †¢ Natural resources, weather, recreational opportunities Social Capital Social Capital †¢ Social Capital refers to the ability of residents to organize and mobilize their resources for the accomplishment of consensual defined goals †¢ It refers to the extent to which members of a community can work together e ffectively to develop and sustain strong relationships, solve problems and make group decisions, and collaborate effectively to achieve common goalsSocial Capital †¢ Some scholars make distinction between bonding capital and bridging capital †¢ Bonding capital refers to ties within homogenous groups (e. g. races, gender, people with the same economic background) †¢ Bridging capital refers to ties among different groups Community development chains Capacity building process Developing the ability to act Social capital Ability to act Community development outcome Taking action Community improvement Development ready communityEconomic development †¢ Community development and economic development is highly sinergistic. †¢ Community development – a planned effort to produce assets that increase the capacity of residents to improve their quality of life. The assets include: physical, human, social, financial, environmental †¢ Economic development †“ the process of creating wealth through the mobilization of human, financial, capital, physical and natural resources to generate marketable goods and services. The definitions are clearly parallel : community development is to produce and improve assets, economic development is to mobilize these assets which will bring greater benefits for the community ie. more goods, services, jobs etc. †¢ Both types of development are highly dependable on each other as most businesses will look for development-ready communities that are equipped with strong and established communities, good infrastructure, abundant supply of labour, safety, telecommunication etc.Community and economic development chains Community development outcome Taking action Community improvement Development ready community Economic development outcome Job creation Increased income and wealth Increased standard of living Capacity building process Developing the ability to act Social capital Ability to act Economic development process Creating and maintaining ED programs Mobilizing resources The end

Reflection on Platos Allegory of the Cave Reflection free essay sample

Reflection on Platos Allegory of the Cave The Allegory of the Cave starts off as a story told by Socrates to Glaucon. In this story, a group of people live in a cave underground. They are bound and unable to move or turn their heads, and so can only look straight in front of them. Before them is a wall and behind them a fire burns. Others in the cave pass before the fire holding objects which cast shadows on the wall. Later, a prisoner is released and taken to the outside world. At first he recoils from the bright light, but he gradually adjusts until he sees the outside world Just as if he had lived his whole life above ground instead of in a cave. After being set free, I wouldnt return to the cave. Platos Allegory of the Cave is a symbol for the contrasts between ideas and what we perceive as reality. We will write a custom essay sample on Reflection on Platos Allegory of the Cave Reflection or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The prisoners in the cave are as ignorant of the truth as Glaucon was, if he relied solely on what he saw. The prisoners, having lived their whole life in the cave, would ook upon the shadows they saw and recognize them as reality. In the same way, Glaucon and others like him believed what they saw and experienced was in fact the reality of the Universe. Conversely, Plato believed that the truth of the Universe was hidden and that the way to discover it was not through observation of the surrounding world but through logic and reasoning. Most people prefer to remain in chains and to see only shadows of the truth. Only the few and the wise are illing to free themselves from the shackles and look the truth in the face, even if it is blinding at first. The Theory of Forms typically refers to the belief expressed by Socrates in some of Platos dialogues, that the material world as it seems to us is not the real world, but only an image or copy of the real world. Just like the people in the cave, what we perceive as truth, what we were led to believe all our lives could be but a fraction or an imitation of what is actually real.