Ocean Acidification

Question 1

What percentage of all anthropogenic CO2 produced since 1800 has been absorbed by oceans, and what proportion of this is attributed to burning fossil fuels?

Answer 1

Oceans have absorbed 30% of all anthropogenic CO2 produced since 1800, with 50% of this attributed to burning fossil fuels.

Question 2

How much more acidic is the ocean compared to its pre-industrial revolution state?

Answer 2

The ocean is 30% more acidic than it was in 1750, before the industrial revolution.

Question 3

What is the temperature range within which coral must be kept, and what happens when coral becomes stressed?

Answer 3

Coral must be kept in waters between 23-29°C. When coral becomes stressed, it expels algae and turns white, a phenomenon known as bleaching. If bleaching continues, the coral will die of starvation.

Question 4

What % of coral reefs are found in developing countrie and approximately how many people does this affect?

Answer 4

About 60% of coral reef areas are located in the developing countries’ where nearly 6 million people heavily rely on reef ecosystem services.

Question 5

What are some of the threats to coral reefs mentioned in the text?

Answer 5

Threats to coral reefs include run-off, coastal development, over-fishing, climate change, and recreational activities.