Impact of Climate Change on Ocean Acidification
Author Information
Author(s): Ben I McNeil, Richard J Matear
Primary Institution: Climate & Environmental Dynamics Laboratory, School of Mathematics, University of New South Wales
Hypothesis
How do climate change feedbacks affect future oceanic acidification?
Conclusion
Future oceanic acidification will closely follow future atmospheric CO2 concentrations, and reducing fossil-fuel emissions is essential to mitigate its biological consequences.
Supporting Evidence
- Ocean warming feedbacks dominate the climate change effects on oceanic pH.
- Projected pH decline is similar whether climate change is included or not.
- Future ocean acidification is primarily dependent on atmospheric CO2 levels.
Takeaway
As the Earth gets warmer, the ocean's acidity will change, but the effects of warming and CO2 levels balance each other out, so we need to cut down on CO2 emissions to protect ocean life.
Methodology
The study used a coupled atmosphere-ocean model to examine climate change feedbacks on oceanic pH.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be unique to the CSIRO climate model, and different models may show varying sensitivities.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website