A study warns that ocean acidity is increasing faster than expected: how it could affect marine life – Noticias Ambientales

Report on Accelerated Ocean Acidification and its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction and Key Findings

A report published in the journal Nature Communications by researchers from the University of St. Andrews indicates that ocean acidification is occurring at a significantly faster rate than previously projected. This phenomenon is particularly acute in coastal areas characterized by upwelling. The findings present a direct challenge to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

The accelerated acidification poses a critical threat to marine biodiversity and the economic stability of coastal communities, thereby impacting SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

2.0 Scientific Analysis of Acidification in Upwelling Systems

2.1 The Upwelling Mechanism

Upwelling is a natural process where deep, cold ocean water rises to the surface. This process contributes to accelerated acidification through several mechanisms:

• Deep waters are inherently rich in carbon dioxide (CO₂) accumulated from the decomposition of organic matter on the seabed.
• As this CO₂-rich water surfaces, it absorbs additional atmospheric CO₂, intensifying its acidity.
• This creates a feedback loop, establishing upwelling systems as critical zones for monitoring the impacts of climate change, directly relevant to SDG 13 (Climate Action).

2.2 Empirical Evidence

The research team utilized ancient coral samples and boron isotopes to reconstruct the ocean’s chemical history and measure pH levels over time. The data confirms that acidification in upwelling regions surpasses rates observed in areas influenced solely by atmospheric CO₂ absorption. Key systems identified as high-risk include:

• The California Current (USA)
• The Humboldt Current (Peru)
• The Benguela Current (West Africa)
• The Canary Current (Northeast Atlantic)

3.0 Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

3.1 Direct Threat to SDG 14 (Life Below Water)

Ocean acidification directly compromises marine ecosystems. The increased acidity adversely affects the physiology of marine organisms, including fish, mollusks, and corals, which form the foundation of marine food webs. This degradation of marine habitats is a severe impediment to the targets set forth in SDG 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

3.2 Socio-Economic Impacts on SDG 1, SDG 2, and SDG 8

The decline in marine life has profound socio-economic consequences for coastal communities.

1. Food Security (SDG 2): The viability of artisanal fishing is threatened, jeopardizing a primary food source for millions.
2. Poverty and Livelihoods (SDG 1 & SDG 8): The economic foundation of communities dependent on fishing and marine tourism is at risk, undermining efforts to eradicate poverty and promote sustainable economic growth.

4.0 The Ocean’s Role as a Global Climate Regulator

4.1 Essential Planetary Functions

The health of the ocean is integral to global climate stability and directly linked to achieving SDG 13 (Climate Action). The ocean performs several vital regulatory functions:

• Climate Regulation: It acts as a primary sink for atmospheric heat and carbon dioxide.
• Ecosystem Support: It controls the water cycle, regulates oxygen availability, and transports nutrients essential for marine productivity.
• Extreme Event Mitigation: Rising sea temperatures, a related symptom of climate change, intensify the strength of storms and cyclones.

5.0 Strategic Recommendations and Call to Action

5.1 Advancing Climate Action (SDG 13)

Mitigating ocean acidification requires decisive action to reduce global carbon dioxide emissions. The adoption of green technologies is a critical strategy. This includes:

• Transitioning to electric vehicles.
• Implementing energy-efficient solutions such as heat pumps.

These actions directly support the objectives of SDG 13 by addressing the root cause of both climate change and ocean acidification.

5.2 Fostering Collective Responsibility (SDG 17)

The research underscores that safeguarding marine ecosystems is a shared global responsibility. Addressing this challenge necessitates a multi-stakeholder approach, aligning with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Concerted efforts from scientific institutions, governments, the private sector, and civil society are essential to implement effective solutions and protect the planet’s marine resources for future generations.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on accelerated ocean acidification touches upon several interconnected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary focus is on marine ecosystems and climate change, with significant implications for human well-being and economic stability.

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  This is the most directly addressed SDG. The article’s central theme is the threat of “ocean acidity” to “marine biodiversity,” including “fish, mollusks, and species that sustain the food chain.” It explicitly mentions the damage to sensitive ecosystems like “coral reefs” and the need to protect specific marine currents like the California, Humboldt, Benguela, and Canary currents.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The article establishes a clear link between climate change and ocean acidification. It identifies the absorption of “atmospheric CO₂” as a key driver of this phenomenon and describes the ocean as a “climate regulator” and “heat and carbon sink.” The text calls for actions to “reduce CO₂ emissions” as a solution, directly aligning with the goals of climate action.

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  The impact on marine life has direct consequences for food security. The article warns that the threat to fish and mollusk populations jeopardizes the “food supply” for millions of people, particularly in coastal communities that rely on the ocean for sustenance.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The economic dimension of the issue is highlighted through the impact on coastal communities. The article states that ocean acidification threatens “artisanal fishing” and the “economy of the communities that depend on it,” putting the “livelihoods of millions of families” at risk.

• SDG 1: No Poverty

  By threatening the livelihoods and food supply of coastal communities, especially those reliant on artisanal fishing, the issue of ocean acidification exacerbates poverty. These communities are presented as vulnerable populations whose primary source of income and sustenance is at risk due to environmental degradation.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Several specific targets can be directly inferred from the information provided in the article.

• Target 14.3: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels.

  This target is the core focus of the article. The entire text is dedicated to explaining the problem of “ocean acidity,” its accelerated pace in upwelling zones, and its impacts. The article itself is based on scientific research published by the “University of St. Andrews” in “Nature Communications,” exemplifying the “enhanced scientific cooperation” needed to address the issue.

• Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.

  The article’s warning that ocean acidification “directly threatens marine biodiversity” and causes “irreversible damage” to “sensitive ecosystems like coral reefs” directly relates to this target. The call to protect specific currents like “California, Humboldt, Benguela, and Canary” is a call to protect key marine ecosystems.

• Target 14.a: Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology.

  The research methodology described, which involves analyzing “ancient coral samples” and using “boron isotopes to measure acidity over time,” is a clear example of increasing scientific knowledge to understand and combat marine challenges. The publication of this research contributes to the global pool of scientific knowledge on the topic.

• Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation.

  The article serves as an educational tool, explaining complex processes like “upwelling” to a broader audience. It concludes with a “call for the entire society,” stating that “caring for the environment is a shared task” and that “preventing greater damage to marine life is everyone’s responsibility,” which is a clear effort to raise awareness and encourage action on climate change mitigation.

• Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people… to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.

  The article connects the health of marine ecosystems to the “food supply.” By highlighting the threat to “fish, mollusks,” and “artisanal fishing,” it implies a direct risk to the availability of a key food source for millions, making this target relevant.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions and implies several indicators that can be used to track progress on the identified targets.

• Indicator 14.3.1: Average marine acidity (pH) measured at agreed suite of representative sampling stations.

  This is the most explicit indicator in the article. The entire study is about measuring “ocean acidity.” The scientific method described, using “boron isotopes” in coral skeletons to “measure acidity over time,” is a direct technique for gathering data relevant to this indicator. The article’s focus on specific upwelling zones like the “California Current” and “Humboldt Current” suggests these are key representative areas for monitoring.

• Implied Indicator: Health and biodiversity of marine ecosystems.

  While not a formal UN indicator, the article implies that the status of “marine biodiversity,” the health of “coral reefs,” and the population levels of “fish, mollusks, and species that sustain the food chain” are critical measures of the impact of acidification. Tracking these would be essential to assess progress towards Target 14.2.

• Implied Indicator: Level of CO₂ emissions.

  The article identifies “atmospheric CO₂” as the primary driver of the problem and suggests solutions like “electric vehicles” and “heat pumps” to “reduce CO₂ emissions.” Therefore, the measurement of national and global CO₂ emissions is an implied indicator for tracking the mitigation efforts discussed.

• Implied Indicator: Economic and social well-being of fishing-dependent communities.

  To measure the impact on SDGs 1, 2, and 8, indicators related to the “economy of the communities,” the viability of “artisanal fishing,” and the stability of the “food supply” and “livelihoods” in these regions would be necessary. This could include tracking employment in the fishing sector and local food security data.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: noticiasambientales.com