Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
disappearance is one of the major reasons in the plea for an urgent
consideration of the problem of ocean acidification by decision
makers.
5.5. What are the solutions?
Ocean acidification is already under way and its effects will be felt
for hundreds of years even if CO
2
releases cease today. Nevertheless,
mitigation can make a big difference. Three types of solution are
available [BIL 13]: reduction of CO
2
emissions, geoengineering and
adaptation (Figure 5.12).
Ocean acidification is a global problem that requires a global
solution. The most efficient and least costly long-term solution is the
reduction of CO
2
emissions into the atmosphere. This is the number
one option recommended by documents intended for decision makers
[PRI 09, BIL 12, LAF 11, OCE 09, OCE 10]. The inability to find an
agreement during international negotiations reflects the difficulty of
implementing this recommendation.
Feasibility
Reduction of
coastal
pollution
Increase in
resilience
Adaptation
Other
additives
Restoration of
ecosystems
Reduction in
releases of
other gases
Reduction of
CO
2
emissions
Atmospheric
CO
2
recovery
Management
of solar
radiation
Desirability
Figure 5.12.
Feasibility and desirability of the main solutions
to ocean acidification (according to [BIL 13])
