Speaking_Notes_Draft

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Southern New Hampshire University *

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200

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Chemistry

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Jan 9, 2024

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1 Speaking Notes Draft Southern New Hampshire University SCI-200: Applied Natural Sciences December 10, 2023
2 Speaking Notes Draft My topic’s scientific background: Ocean acidification is related to natural sciences because it is a scientific phenomenon in which the pH level of the ocean decreases due to the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process negatively affects marine ecosystems and the growth and survival of marine organisms such as coral, plankton, and shellfish (Gattuso & Hansson, 2011). As a result, ocean acidification is an important research topic in the natural sciences, particularly in chemistry, biology, and environmental science. Scientists study the causes and consequences of ocean acidification to understand how it affects the oceans and its inhabitants and develop strategies to mitigate its potential impacts (Gattuso & Hansson, 2011). Impact on my audience: It's important to understand the impact of ocean acidification on our planet. This process leads to a decrease in the ocean's pH level, making it more acidic. Such changes in acidity can have severe consequences for marine life, affecting their ability to form shells and skeletons (Gattuso & Hansson, 2011). Given that the ocean covers more than 70% of the earth's surface, the effects of ocean acidification could be far-reaching (Gattuso & Hansson, 2011). The ocean is home to many species that are essential for human survival, and fish are a vital source of food for millions of people worldwide. Moreover, the ocean plays a significant role in regulating the earth's climate, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and releasing oxygen (Gattuso & Hansson, 2011). As such, it is vital to care about the effects of ocean acidification and take measures to mitigate its impact. We must work towards reducing carbon emissions to slow ocean acidification and protect our planet's vital ecosystems.
3 My empirical evidence: The chemical composition of seawater, particularly the amount of carbonate present, can significantly impact marine organisms. Changes in this chemistry can lead to an imbalance in the acid-base status of these organisms, which can have a wide range of effects on their health and survival (Gattuso & Hansson, 2011). The continuous release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere has caused a significant increase in its concentration levels. Over the years, the concentration of atmospheric CO2 has risen from approximately 280 parts per million (ppm) to 380 ppm (Esteves et al., 2022). This increase is a major cause of concern as it contributes to global warming and climate change, which have far-reaching consequences for the planet. The ocean surface water then absorbs approximately 30% of this CO2 (Esteves et al., 2022). This absorption has led to a decrease in the pH of the ocean water, making it more acidic than it was in pre-industrial times. The pH levels have already dropped by 0.1 units (Esteves et al., 2022). This increase in acidity can cause harm to marine ecosystems and creatures, which can have ripple effects throughout the food chain and ultimately impact human societies (Esteves et al., 2022). Why this issue is important to me personally: The problem of ocean acidification concerns me greatly because it directly impacts the fragile balance of marine ecosystems (Gattuso & Hansson, 2011). Human activities release carbon dioxide into the ocean, which causes the water to become more acidic (Gattuso & Hansson,
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4 2011). This acidity harms the growth and survival of marine organisms. This issue threatens the diversity of the ocean and has far-reaching consequences for human health and the economy, as many communities rely on ocean resources for food and income. As an individual who cares deeply about the welfare of our planet and the life it sustains, the problem of ocean acidification is of utmost significance to me. The increasing acidity of our oceans poses a severe threat to the fragile balance of marine ecosystems, and we must address this problem before it's too late. Impact on my thinking: When I first began researching ocean acidification, I felt overwhelmed by the complexity of the subject matter. However, my curiosity drove me to delve deeper into the topic, and I spent the next seven weeks poring over scientific literature and studies related to the issue. As I dug deeper, I began to grasp the intricacies of how rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere alter the chemistry of our oceans and the far-reaching consequences this could have on marine ecosystems (Esteves et al., 2022). Through my research, I have gained a newfound appreciation for the urgent need to address this critical environmental issue. When I first started researching the topic of ocean acidification, I needed to gain more knowledge of the subject. Now, after researching this topic for the past seven weeks from a Scientist's point of view, I have a much greater understanding of exactly what ocean acidification is all about.
5 References: Esteves, A. M., De Souza, T. P., Da Cunha Sarmento, V., Maria, T. F., & Santos, P. J. P. D. (2022). Effects of the ocean acidification on the functional structure of coral reef nematodes. Coral Reefs , 41 (5), 1481–1494. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-022-02296-x Pierre Gattuso, & Hansson. (2011, September). Ocean Acidification . Oxford [England]: OUP Oxford. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780199591091.001.0001