Ocean acidification is caused by carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere dissolving into the ocean. This leads to a lowering of the water’s pH, making the ocean more acidic.
The ocean surrounding our region is expected to become even more acidic in years to come with the current rate of decrease in pH accelerated to over 0.02 per decade.
Consequences
Threats to marine ecosystems and habitats
More difficult for coral and plankton to form their shells and skeletons
Existing shells may begin to dissolve
Coral reefs become more vulnerable and therefore have slower recovery rates post storms or coral bleaching events
Affect economic activities such as fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
Impact food security - commercially and ecologically important marine species will be impacted. By 2100, the global annual costs of mollusc loss from ocean acidification could be over US$100 billion for a high (RCP8.5) CO2 emissions pathway
Our reef protects our shoreline from storm surges and cyclones, this prevents loss of life, property damage and erosion. If our reef is weakened or destroyed we lose that protection
The Great Barrier Reef attracts 1.9 million visitors each year, if the reef is destroyed our tourist industry will be impacted
What the Climate Hub is doing
Mitigation of emissions is the only way to slow ocean acidification. The Climate Hub is working with the region's Tourism sector to decarbonise and protect the reef.
Whitsunday Regional Council has approved the need for a sustainable destination certification. This certification will provide region-wide marketing opportunities and will help to build the Whitsundays brand as the "Healthy Heart of the Great Barrier Reef". In line with Council's Climate Change Mitigation Plan, this is another step towards lowering the region's carbon footprint.
What you can do
Understand your carbon footprint and work to reduce it. Check out the Carbon Footprint Calculator and find out ways you can reduce your carbon footprint as a household and a business.
