Negative carbon emissions to fight ocean acidification?

In summary, the IPCC report strongly encouraged not only trying to get our carbon dioxide emissions down to fight climate change, but to go into negative emissions so as to draw the carbon dioxide out of the air.
  • #1
gildomar
99
2
The IPCC report strongly encouraged not only trying to get our carbon dioxide emissions down to fight climate change, but to go into negative emissions so as to draw the carbon dioxide out of the air (since it's too high as it is). Wouldn't that help to fight ocean acidification too?

Because from what I understand, the carbon dioxide content of the atmosphere and the ocean are in pseudo-equilibrium (if they weren't there'd be a lot more CO2 in the air, given that some of it diffuses into the ocean). So with negative emissions then, if the concentration of CO2 in the air was lowered (by whatever method) relative to the concentration in the ocean, wouldn't that would cause the diffusion to go the other way so as to maintain equilibrium? The carbon dioxide would come out of solution in the ocean to be taken up by the atmosphere (and then captured via whatever method used to get negative emissions). Of course, if so, that means that we would need to have negative emissions then for longer than initially thought, since we'd be drawing down the carbon content of not only the atmosphere, but the ocean too.

(Posting in the physics section as opposed to the chemistry section since the question is mainly about diffusion, a physical process as opposed to a chemical one. If in error on where to post, feel free to point to where it should go.)
 
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  • #2
The oceans are quite a bit away from an equilibrium with today's atmosphere. It would slow ocean acidification unless we take out much more CO2 than current plans hope for.
 
  • #3
raise ocean temps, oceans will release C02 ;)
 
  • #4
zanick said:
raise ocean temps, oceans will release C02 ;)
That's a bit of a two edged sword though. (is the word 'temperatures' too long to type?)
 

1. What are negative carbon emissions?

Negative carbon emissions refer to the process of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, either through natural or artificial means. This is done in order to offset the amount of carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere through human activities, such as burning fossil fuels.

2. How can negative carbon emissions help fight ocean acidification?

Ocean acidification is caused by the absorption of excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the ocean, which lowers the pH of the water and makes it more acidic. By removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, negative carbon emissions can help slow down the rate of ocean acidification and give marine organisms more time to adapt to the changing conditions.

3. What are some examples of negative carbon emissions technologies?

Examples of negative carbon emissions technologies include carbon capture and storage, where carbon dioxide is captured from industrial processes and stored underground, and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, where carbon dioxide is captured from burning biomass and stored underground. Other natural methods include reforestation, which involves planting trees to absorb carbon dioxide, and ocean fertilization, where iron is added to the ocean to stimulate the growth of carbon-absorbing phytoplankton.

4. Are there any potential drawbacks to negative carbon emissions?

While negative carbon emissions can help mitigate the effects of climate change and ocean acidification, there are potential drawbacks to some of the technologies. For example, carbon capture and storage can be expensive and may have limited storage capacity, and ocean fertilization can have unintended consequences on marine ecosystems. It is important to carefully consider the potential impacts and risks of negative carbon emissions technologies before implementing them on a large scale.

5. Can negative carbon emissions alone solve the problem of ocean acidification?

No, negative carbon emissions alone cannot solve the problem of ocean acidification. While they can help slow down the rate of acidification, it is also important to reduce carbon emissions at the source and to address other factors contributing to ocean acidification, such as pollution and overfishing. A comprehensive approach that combines negative carbon emissions with other solutions is needed to effectively combat ocean acidification.

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