I would just like to inform the general public of the rising issue of ocean acidification, and the legislation that is currently being discussed on it. Ocean acidification is caused by excess carbon dioxide being absorbed into the oceans from the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide then mixes with the water molecules and becomes carbonic acids. These acids cause calcium carbonate, a chemical compound needed by crustaceans to develop healthy shells, to diminish. Ocean acidification has caused a 30 percent increase in the acidity of ocean surface waters since the start of the Industrial Revolution. This has caused some planktons to die because the acidity is breaking down their shells and then wearing down their bodies. If this trend continues, there could be a drastic decrease in the plankton in the oceans, causing salmon populations to drop, and end thousands of Alaskan jobs. There is currently a resolution in the state Legislature supporting research of ocean acidification, and recognizing it as a threat to our Alaskan way of life. If you too believe that ocean acidification is a major issue that our state needs to be more accountable about, please contact your legislators and urge them to vote yes on House Joint Resolution 10.
Ruby Steedle
Student, Juneau-Douglas High School
Comments (1)
Add commentIsn't it humorous?
What I find funny is that so many kids these days read a little science, form their own conclusions absent of any ridiculous, mind-altering ideology they feel they must adhere to, and then adults nod nicely in the face of reality and quickly go back to being retards who think some scientific position is a conspiracy larger than what it would take to cover up the moon landing.
This letter, for instance. Ocean acidification is a big effing deal. BIG. Hugeungous. And it is inextricably linked to global warming. But you still have dunderheads (yes, dunderheads) who deny global warming is real (despite all evidence to the contrary), who think it's not our fault (just coincidence that CO2 levels are rising as we release a bunch into the atmosphere), and who think it could be a good thing (they don't actually "think").
I'm willing to bet Ms. (or Mr.--hard to tell with names these days) Steedle knows more about this than most of the republicans in office. Good for him/her. I hope he/she grows up to become a hypnotist so she can control the minds of those who can't control their own.