Report on Ocean Acidification: A Critical Threat to Sustainable Development Goals

A recent study indicates that ocean acidification has exceeded the planetary boundary for a safe operating space, posing a significant and immediate threat to marine ecosystems and the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report outlines the chemical process, ecological and economic impacts, and the human dimension of this global challenge, with a specific focus on its implications for the SDGs.

The Chemical Process and its Impact on SDG 14: Life Below Water

Ocean acidification is a direct consequence of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂), a key driver of climate change addressed under SDG 13 (Climate Action). The process unfolds as follows:

1. The ocean absorbs atmospheric CO₂.
2. The dissolved CO₂ forms carbonic acid, increasing the concentration of hydrogen ions.
3. This reaction lowers the seawater’s pH, making it more acidic.
4. The excess hydrogen ions bind with available carbonate ions, depleting the essential building blocks that marine organisms like corals, oysters, clams, and plankton require to form shells and skeletons.

This fundamental change in ocean chemistry directly undermines SDG 14 (Life Below Water), particularly Target 14.3, which calls to “minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification.” The weakening and dissolution of these organisms’ skeletal structures threaten the foundation of marine food webs and ecosystems.

Ecological and Economic Ramifications

Degradation of Coral Reefs and Biodiversity Loss

The impact on coral reefs, such as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, exemplifies the threat to SDG 14. The consequences include:

• Weakened coral skeletons, impairing growth and recovery from bleaching events.
• Increased vulnerability to storm damage, disease, and large-scale die-offs.
• Collapse of the complex reef architecture, which serves as a critical habitat for thousands of marine species.
• Disruption of intricate food webs, leading to the displacement or disappearance of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.

Threats to Economic Stability and Livelihoods (SDG 8)

The decline of marine ecosystems translates into severe economic consequences, jeopardizing SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). In Australia, oyster growers are experiencing crop and income loss due to increased acidity. The aquaculture industries in both Australia and New Zealand, which are significant economic sectors, face substantial risks to the viability of mussel, oyster, and clam farming. The degradation of coral reefs also threatens tourism revenue and coastal protection services, impacting the livelihoods of millions globally.

The Human Dimension: A Challenge for Global Sustainability

Impacts on Food Security and Poverty (SDG 1 & SDG 2)

For many coastal and island communities, particularly in the Pacific, the impacts of ocean acidification are a direct threat to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 1 (No Poverty). These communities rely heavily on local shellfish harvests and healthy reef ecosystems for sustenance and cultural practices. The decline in marine biodiversity and shrinking fish catches pose long-term food security risks and threaten to exacerbate poverty.

A Matter of Climate Justice and Equity (SDG 10)

Ocean acidification is also an issue of global inequality, directly relevant to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Coastal communities, which have contributed least to the CO₂ emissions driving the crisis, are on the frontlines of its most severe consequences. The erosion of marine resources impacts their food sovereignty, economic stability, and cultural heritage, highlighting a profound disparity between those causing the problem and those bearing its burden.

Scientific Cooperation and Mitigation Strategies (SDG 17)

Research and Adaptation Initiatives

In line with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), scientific collaboration is underway to address the crisis. Key initiatives include:

• Australia: Researchers at the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute and the University of Sydney are collaborating to understand oyster physiology and selectively breed strains resilient to climate stressors.
• New Zealand: The New Zealand Ocean Acidification Observing Network (NZOA-ON) and the Shellfish Aquaculture Research Platform (ShARP) are monitoring ocean chemistry and developing mitigation strategies, such as selective breeding and using waste shells to buffer acidity around mussel farms.
• Pacific Region: Regional organizations are working to develop strategies to enhance the resilience of marine ecosystems and the communities dependent upon them.

These partnerships underscore the importance of enhanced scientific cooperation, as called for in SDG Target 14.3, to develop adaptive solutions. However, as researchers note, these efforts must be complemented by decisive global policy action, such as that discussed at the United Nations Ocean Conference, to address the root cause of the problem: global carbon emissions.

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

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  This is the most central SDG addressed. The article’s entire focus is on ocean acidification, which it describes as a phenomenon that “threatens the very skeleton of marine life.” It details the impact on marine ecosystems, such as the weakening of the Great Barrier Reef’s coral skeletons and the threat to species like oysters, clams, and plankton. The article directly discusses the chemical process of acidification and its consequences for marine biodiversity and ecosystem structure.

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  The article connects the health of marine ecosystems to food security. It states that “Millions of people also rely on healthy coral reefs for food security” and that Pacific communities “heavily rely on reef ecosystems and local shellfish harvests for food security.” The decline in fish species and shrinking catch sizes are presented as direct threats to the food supply of these communities.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The economic consequences of ocean acidification are highlighted throughout the text. It mentions that acidification is “costing Australians money,” with “Australian oyster growers losing their crops and their income.” Furthermore, the decline of coral reefs threatens livelihoods in fishing and tourism, as reefs “drive significant tourism revenue” in places like Australia.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The article explicitly identifies the root cause of ocean acidification as the ocean absorbing “increasing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere,” which is a primary driver of climate change. It frames the issue within the context of climate change, noting that research has intensified with climate change accelerating and that some regions are “identified as a climate hotspot.”

• SDG 1: No Poverty

  The article frames ocean acidification as a “justice issue,” stating that “coastal communities who contributed the least to this crisis who are now on the frontlines of its consequences.” By threatening the food security and income of these vulnerable communities (e.g., “The fisher in Fiji,” “The oyster farmer in Tasmania”), ocean acidification exacerbates poverty and vulnerability to environmental shocks.

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

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

  This target is the core subject of the article. The text is dedicated to explaining the impacts of ocean acidification and highlights multiple examples of scientific cooperation to address it, such as the research at the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute (PSFI), the collaboration with the University of Sydney, and international partnerships through the New Zealand Ocean Acidification Observing Network (NZOA-ON).

• Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience.

  The article discusses the degradation of marine ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef, where acidification weakens corals and makes them “more vulnerable to storms, disease, and die-offs.” Efforts to strengthen resilience are detailed, particularly the research into breeding “more resilient oysters” that can withstand environmental stressors.

• Target 14.a: Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology… in order to improve ocean health.

  The article is replete with examples of this target in action. It describes research to “understand oyster physiology more deeply,” the work of Dr. Laura Parker to “help the industry prepare for what’s coming,” and the establishment of research platforms like ShARP in New Zealand to enhance the sustainability of shellfish aquaculture through science.

• Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production… and strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change.

  The focus on the shellfish aquaculture industry in Australia and New Zealand directly relates to this target. The research aimed at “selectively bred strains” of oysters being tested for their ability to withstand climate-related stressors is a clear example of implementing resilient practices to ensure the future of this food production system.

• Target 1.5: By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters.

  The article identifies coastal communities in the Pacific and elsewhere as being on the “frontlines” of the crisis. The threat to their livelihoods, food sources, and cultural practices represents a significant environmental shock. The research and mitigation strategies discussed, such as developing resilient aquaculture, are efforts to build the resilience of these vulnerable populations.

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

• Average marine acidity (pH)

  This is a direct indicator for Target 14.3. The article explicitly mentions the “steady drop in pH” as the central problem. The establishment of the “New Zealand Ocean Acidification Observing Network (NZOA-ON),” which works to “document the status and progress of ocean acidification,” directly implies the systematic measurement of pH levels as a key indicator.

• Health and coverage of coral reef ecosystems

  This is an implied indicator for Target 14.2. The article describes the negative impacts on the Great Barrier Reef, including “weakening coral skeletons,” “mass bleaching,” and the collapse of the “reef structure.” Progress would be measured by a reduction in these negative events and the stabilization or recovery of coral health and coverage.

• Economic losses or gains in aquaculture and fisheries

  This is an implied indicator for SDG 8. The article quantifies the problem in economic terms, stating that “Australian oyster growers losing their crops and their income.” An indicator of progress would be the stabilization or growth of income and production in the aquaculture and fishing sectors, particularly for the selectively bred, resilient oyster strains.

• Productivity and survival rates in aquaculture

  This is an implied indicator for Target 2.4. The research into breeding “more resilient oysters” that can “withstand the chemical and physical stressors” has a clear goal: to maintain or increase the viability of oyster farming. The survival rates and growth of these selectively bred oysters under acidic conditions would be a direct measure of success.

• Fish and shellfish catch sizes in local communities

  This is an implied indicator for SDG 2 (food security). The article notes that for Pacific communities, “Catch sizes will (and already are) shrinking.” Monitoring the catch per unit effort or total harvest for key subsistence species would serve as an indicator of the impact on local food security and the effectiveness of any mitigation strategies.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

Source: cosmosmagazine.com