Climate Reality flag hanging from the mast of the ship
As the world warms, its waters are warming, too. Increased temperatures have already led to changes in ocean life. For example, on the other side of the Peninsula, king crabs have invaded an area previously considered far too cold for their survival. The impact of the arrival of these predators, for the first time in millions of years, could be catastrophic for the surrounding ecosystem, which has evolved exotic and unique life forms that have no defenses against crabs.
Unfortunately, scientists are observing not only changes to the oceans’ temperature but also to its chemistry. The Weddell Sea – and the rest of the Southern Ocean – is experiencing what scientists call ocean acidification. Currently, about a quarter of the carbon dioxide released each year by human activities is absorbed by the world’s oceans. The Southern Ocean alone absorbs more than 40% of that due to the frigid temperatures of its waters. As the concentration of carbon dioxide increases, the water becomes more acidic.
Rebecca Shoop, National Science Foundation
And, what does this mean for us? About 1 billion people in the world rely on fish and shellfish as their primary source of dietary protein. By one estimate, the effect of acidification on mollusks alone (animals such as oysters and clams) could cost the world tens of billions of dollars by the end of the century. Some researchers have called acidification “one of the most critical anthropogenic threats to marine life.”
The climate crisis is a problem of multiple dimensions. Rising ocean temperatures alone have the potential to disrupt the web of life in the ocean. Acidifying oceans, a result of the same carbon dioxide pollution that is warming our planet, are magnifying the problem even further.
Douglas Stuart
February 1st
The real story behind global warming…We do not need to save the Earth. It has been here long before we got here and will survive long after we’re gone. Instead, we must save ourselves.
Lora Bruncke
February 1st
Being the optimist, when I read ‘king crabs’, all I could think of were the many romantic/festive dinners on beaches or in diners with one or more good friends I have enjoyed over 4 decades.
Of course, I understand they are predators and as such will ‘take over’.
Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.
If you could only sway the people in power???
Tverdell
February 1st
Why not organize this expedition for scientists, professionals and politicians that are not convinced.
I am sure some would take you up on the offer if not just for the chance at an exotic trip.
I am disappointed in this expedition, what is the purpose, what do you hope to accomplish.
Jan Moore
February 1st
http://www.nature.com/nclimate/journal/vaop/ncurrent/pdf/nclimate1352.pdf
This study has found that increased CO2 in our oceans is affecting the behavior of fish and inhibiting their neurotransmitter function. I am very concerned about our oceans as they have acidified more in the last 200 years than the previous 21,000 per a recent University of Hawaii study. The question now is, are we going to spend more time trying to convince those who won’t believe it anyway because of ideology, politics, or their wallets dictating they not believe it while it gets worse? Or are we going to take it to the government that is ignoring this? Truly, is we lose our oceans and see extinctions up the food chain as we are are already from certain planktons to coral, to oysters, crabs, shrimp, etc… it is game over. And this is the one facet of climate change/global warming effects deniers do not take part in. And why? Well, because they can’t dispute this. I really hope this endeavor can lead to some action. I can tell you this, it isn’t going to happen in government particularly in the U.S. by continuing to vote for the status quo on any side or making excuses for them.
Marcel Claxton
February 1st
Thank you first of all for your observations. We need these wake-up calls. Regretfully we keep on falling asleep after each one. I truly think the tragedy of the human race is that we only act at the very precipice of doom. Very much like the frog in water that us being heated: the change is still too gradual for it to act upon until it finally cooks to death. Still, I can’t help but wonder if in out arrogance of not seeing the connectedness of nature we are also blind to potential leaps in evolutionary change within ourselves and our environment. Not to justify what we are doing on an ethical level, but perhaps with our knowledge of genetics and understanding of science we are able to activate radical change within the human race in able to survive in this new environment. 2012 promises to be a very interesting year for the world after all…
B. Steele
February 3rd
Ocean acidification is going to get worse, we have released 300 billion tons carbon so far and are set to release another 300 gt in the next 30 years. Both the timing and the resultant surface ocean pH changes are predictable with a high degree of confidence. If every human on earth only emitted one ton of Co2 annually the 8 billion tons emitted would still be 3 billion tons more than total annual Co2 emissions when Al Gore and I where young children.