The ocean is both a source of oxygen and a sink for carbon dioxide (CO2). It absorbs about one fourth of all CO2 emissions. While this leaves less CO2 in the atmosphere and mitigates climate change, it makes the ocean more acidic. Ocean acidification has emerged as a global issue because of its effect on marine organisms, ecosystems and livelihoods.
Guests:
- Sam Dupont, Professor of Marine Eco-Physiology at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
- Sarah Flickinger, Associate Research Scientist at the Ocean Acidification International Coordination Center, IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories, Monaco
- Celeste Sánchez Noguera, Researcher and Lecturer at the University of Costa Rica
In this episode, experts explain what ocean acidification is and how nuclear techniques contribute to the understanding of this process and its impact. Nuclear techniques enable scientists to study past ocean conditions and forecast future effects of more acidic conditions.