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Science ↔ Society: Equilibrating Our Understanding of Ocean Acidification

Wednesday, September 20th, 12pm ET

Ocean acidification is a hot topic in the science community which is focusing more and more research into understanding this complex chemical phenonmenon and its impacts on our marine resources. Even though our scientific understanding of ocean acidification is in its early stages, the need to engage the non-science community on this topic is greater than ever to ensure that we can manage and adapt to its consequence on our communities in a proactive way. It is essential that our understanding of ocean acidification develops concurrently and that we recognise the mutual need to investigate, understand and manage this phenomenon that is occurring on a global scale. This webinar focused on a personal experience with mobilising citizen and professional science in South Africa by means of a continentally co-ordinated event on World Ocean Day 2017. It highlighted the methods of engagement with both the science and non-science community as well as present the various challenges and lessons learnt from this experience.
Please email noaa.oceanacidification@noaa.gov to request access to the video recording and slides from this presentation.
About the speaker: Carla  is a PhD. Candidate  at South African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB). Se has served as coordinator for the Aquatic Eco-physiology Research Platform, which facilitates the climate change research for students at SAIAB and Rhodes University. Carla’s work work focuses on broader approach to the effects of climate change on fishes, particularly those that serve as valuable resources in South Africa, with ocean acidification remaining the focal point. 

 

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ADAPTING TO OCEAN ACIDIFICATION

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) works to prepare society to adapt to the consequences of ocean acidification and conserve marine ecosystems as acidification occurs. Learn more about the human connections and adaptation strategies from these efforts.

Adaptation approaches fostered by the OAP include:

FORECASTING

Using models and research to understand the sensitivity of organisms and ecosystems to ocean acidification to make predictions about the future, allowing communities and industries to prepare

MANAGEMENT

Using these models and predictions as tools to facilitate management strategies that will protect marine resources and communities from future changes

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Developing innovative tools to help monitor ocean acidification and mitigate changing ocean chemistry locally

REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

On the Road

Drive fuel-efficient vehicles or choose public transportation. Choose your bike or walk! Don't sit idle for more than 30 seconds. Keep your tires properly inflated.

With your Food Choices

Eat local- this helps cut down on production and transport! Reduce your meat and dairy. Compost to avoid food waste ending up in the landfill

With your Food Choices

Make energy-efficient choices for your appliances and lighting. Heat and cool efficiently! Change your air filters and program your thermostat, seal and insulate your home, and support clean energy sources

By Reducing Coastal Acidification

Reduce your use of fertilizers, Improve sewage treatment and run off, and Protect and restore coastal habitats

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TAKE ACTION WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

You've taken the first step to learn more about ocean acidification - why not spread this knowledge to your community?

Every community has their unique culture, economy and ecology and what’s at stake from ocean acidification may be different depending on where you live.  As a community member, you can take a larger role in educating the public about ocean acidification. Creating awareness is the first step to taking action.  As communities gain traction, neighboring regions that share marine resources can build larger coalitions to address ocean acidification.  Here are some ideas to get started:

  1. Work with informal educators, such as aquarium outreach programs and local non-profits, to teach the public about ocean acidification. Visit our Education & Outreach page to find the newest tools!
  2. Participate in habitat restoration efforts to restore habitats that help mitigate the effects of coastal acidification
  3. Facilitate conversations with local businesses that might be affected by ocean acidification, building a plan for the future.
  4. Partner with local community efforts to mitigate the driver behind ocean acidification  – excess CO2 – such as community supported agriculture, bike & car shares and other public transportation options.
  5. Contact your regional Coastal Acidification Network (CAN) to learn how OA is affecting your region and more ideas about how you can get involved in your community
       More for Taking Community Action