- Playing
- Acidic Seas
- From
- KQED
we've all heard about melting glaciers, rising temperatures and droughts... But what effect will global warming have on the ocean? The sea, it turns out, absorbs carbon dioxide emissions, which are causing it to become more acidic. Changing pH levels threaten the entire marine food chain from coral reefs to salmon.
We report from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, where scientists are finding out what happens to marine animals when the ocean's chemistry changes.
Also in the QUEST series
Condor Rescue
(00:04:57)
From: KQED
A condor refuge recovers after a wildfire, and volunteers prepare for a dramatic release.
Why Don't Kids Learn Science Anymore?
(00:04:39)
From: KQED
Despite high-tech hubs like Silicon Valley, California's science literacy is in steep decline.
Waiting for California's High Speed Rail
(00:08:08)
From: KQED
Getting from San Francisco to LA in two-and-a-half hours -- and a $10 billion ticket price
Sea Lion Rescue
(00:05:03)
From: KQED
A mysterious bacterial infection is sickening the West Coast's sea lions.
Drugs in the Drinking Water
(00:05:00)
From: KQED
Many of us drink tiny doses of drugs like ibuprofen and birth control pills with each glass of tap. Should we care?
Related Pieces
Piece Description
we've all heard about melting glaciers, rising temperatures and droughts... But what effect will global warming have on the ocean? The sea, it turns out, absorbs carbon dioxide emissions, which are causing it to become more acidic. Changing pH levels threaten the entire marine food chain from coral reefs to salmon. We report from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, where scientists are finding out what happens to marine animals when the ocean's chemistry changes.
Broadcast History
aired twice on 8.11.08 during "B" segment of morning edition on KQED and KQEI.
Transcript
When it comes to climate change, scientist Jim Barry says the atmosphere plays an important role. But not as important as the ocean.
BARRY: The oceans are the key pivotal part of climate change. Although we put this CO2 up into the atmosphere, most of it is in the ocean already.
Barry says the ocean has been doing us a big favor. It?s been sucking up carbon dioxide that humans add to the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels. All that CO2 is having a dramatic effect. It?s making the ocean more acidic.
BARRY: We?re worried about how far we can change ocean pH and how that?s going to effect the physiological function of a variety of animals from the base of the food chain all the way up to tuna and fishes we depend upon.
(Bring up door opens, freezer noise under next track)
Barry opens the door to a walk-in freezer at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, or MBAR...
Read the full transcript
Timing and Cues
SUGGESTED HOST INTRO: Melting glaciers, rising temperatures, and droughts -- all are impacts of global warming. What receives much less attention is the toll that climate change is taking on the health of our oceans. The sea, it turns out, absorbs carbon dioxide emissions, which are causing it to become more acidic. As Lauren Sommer reports, changing pH levels threaten the entire marine food chain from coral reefs to salmon. Lauren Sommer reports from KQED in San Francisco.
Related Website
Of 5 purchasers of this piece...
- 4 also bought:
- 4 also bought:
Moth Radio Hour 302 (00:54:01) - 4 also bought:
Moth Radio Hour 301 (00:54:01) - 4 also bought:
The Moth Radio Hour 303 (00:53:57) - 4 also bought:
The Moth Radio Hour 304 (00:53:58)
