How are Waterways Being Affected by Dropping CO2 Emissions?
Courtesy of Lily Moy
Many people have heard about how the Coronavirus shut down has led to a dramatic
decrease in CO2, NO2, and other greenhouse gas emissions. What many don’t know is
that these dropping CO2 levels could be huge for major bodies of water.
A decrease in CO2 means two huge benefits for our oceans: less CO2 is being
absorbed by the water, and, in rare cases, the temperature of the ocean could
potentially decrease if low levels of CO2 are maintained.
When the ocean absorbs CO2, plants under the ocean’s surface can use that CO2 in
photosynthesis. When CO2 is absorbed into a body of water at a faster rate than the
aquatics plants can use it up, many problems occur.
CO2 increases the acidity of water and degrades coral reefs and animals who have
protective shells, like mussels. When coral reefs cannot survive in certain conditions, it
can’t simply pick itself up and move. The coral reef that provided fish and algae with so
many resources will end up dying. Fish that depended on that coral reef for food and
protection will also most likely die, creating yet another endangered species to add to
the growing list.
Similarly, if the temperature of the land decreases, ocean temperatures may follow suit.
This is because ocean water absorbs heat that comes off of the land.
Decreasing the temperature of the ocean, if possible, could help temperature sensitive
species. Water that is too warm for aquatic plants such as coral reefs or algae inhibits
their ability to carry out photosynthesis.
The benefits of having less CO2 in the air gives oceans a chance to use up the excess
CO2. If the current levels of CO2 could be kept up, it is probable that our oceans will be
safer and more hospitable to life.
The top few meters of the ocean are ones that are most affected by CO2 levels and
absorb the most heat. It is important that this layer is cared for by boaters, swimmers,
and even scientists to protect the 409,543 different species that call the ocean their
home.
Healthy oceans are key to the open water swimming world. In these times, open water
swimmers should be excited that less activity from boats, factories, and transportation
could improve swimming conditions to a certain extent. More initiative is necessary to
begin seeing a noticible change in the quality of oceans.
Sources
https://climatekids.nasa.gov/ocean/
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-climate-change-action-air-pollu
tion-traffic-20200324.html
https://www.surfrider.org/coastal-blog/entry/covid-19-and-beach-water-quality-updates-fr
om-the-research-community