When we elect climate champions, we see real progress

Our oceans play a vital role as carbon sinks, effectively absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon, preventing it from entering our atmosphere and worsening climate change.

However, there's a problem we can't ignore: ocean acidification. It's happening at an alarming rate, and it has serious consequences.

Ocean acidification occurs when our oceans absorb carbon dioxide from the air. The carbon dioxide dissolves in the seawater, leading to the formation of carbonic acid, which makes the ocean more acidic over time.

The acidity of the global oceans has risen by approximately 30% since the Industrial Revolution, and it is projected to increase up to 150% by the end of the century.

So, why does ocean acidification matter? It has detrimental effects on marine ecosystems. Many marine organisms, like corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and some planktonic species, rely on calcium carbonate to build their shells and skeletons. Increased acidity interferes with their ability to form and maintain these structures, making them more vulnerable to predators, diseases, and other stressors.

That's why Congresswoman Pingree from Maine took action by introducing the Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act earlier this year.

This legislation aims to improve collaboration between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and state, local, and tribal entities that are already working on ocean acidification. It particularly focuses on supporting coastal communities where the impacts of ocean acidification vary greatly from place to place.

In Oregon, where increased ocean upwelling brought more acidic waters to the surface, the oyster hatchery businesses collapsed with calcium degradation of oyster spats (larvae). The work of the Oregon Coordinating Council on Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia (OAH Council) to mitigate the ocean acidification crisis helped inform this legislation.

The bill helps assess community vulnerability, plan research efforts, and engage in similar activities related to ocean acidification. It creates the Ocean Acidification Advisory Board, building upon existing collaborative initiatives ensuring that local communities and all stakeholders affected by ocean acidification have a voice.

The bill also maintains the Ocean Acidification Information Exchange, which allows experts from various backgrounds to share data on research, monitoring efforts, and other information related to ocean acidification.

Thankfully, just this month, the Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act passed the House with bipartisan support!

This is a major victory for our oceans and the countless marine species that depend on them. Now, the bill moves to the Senate, bringing us one step closer to addressing the urgent issue of ocean acidification.

When we elect climate champions, we see real progress.

That's why Global Warming Solutions is dedicated to supporting leaders committed to solving the climate crisis.

More soon,

Rob