Ocean Acidification and Its Impacts

Ocean acidification, often called climate change's 'evil twin', poses a significant threat to marine life and human livelihoods. The ocean absorbs a quarter of CO2 emissions, leading to increased acidity that affects shellfish, corals, and fish. This has economic implications, impacting over 3 billion people reliant on the ocean. The IAEA and global scientists are working to understand and mitigate these effects through research and monitoring. Solutions include reducing emissions and exploring alkalinity enrichment. The research aims to provide data for policymakers to drive climate action.

What is one of the main causes of ocean acidification?

• Increased salinity

• Increased oxygen levels

• Decreased nitrogen levels

• Dissolution of carbon dioxide in water

Which marine organisms are most affected by ocean acidification?

• Calcifying organisms like oysters and corals

• Sharks

• Jellyfish

• Sea turtles

How does ocean acidification impact human livelihoods?

• It reduces ocean temperatures

• It threatens industries dependent on marine life

• It enhances coral reef growth

• It increases fish populations

Why is it challenging to address ocean acidification globally?

• Oceans are isolated and not interconnected

• Ocean chemistry varies regionally

• There is no scientific consensus

• It only affects a small part of the ocean

What is the predicted increase in ocean acidity by 2100 according to scientists?

• 50%

• 200%

• 100%

• 150%

What is the primary focus of the IAEA's Ocean Acidification International Coordination Center?

• Researching and communicating ocean acidification

• Studying ocean currents

• Promoting tourism

• Developing new fishing techniques

What is a simple yet challenging solution to combat ocean acidification?

• Avoiding emissions and reducing energy consumption

• Building more dams

• Increasing ocean salinity

• Increasing fish farming

What is one potential method to counteract ocean acidification locally?

• Alkalinity enhancement

• Decreasing ocean depth

• Increasing ocean currents

• Reducing ocean temperatures

How can nuclear science contribute to understanding ocean acidification?

• By increasing ocean temperatures

• By desalinating seawater

• By reducing carbon emissions

• By tracing key elements like calcium

Why is research on ocean acidification important for policy makers?

• It reduces ocean pollution

• It helps in building new aquariums

• It increases tourism

• It provides data to drive climate policy