-
Introduction
Abiotic and biotic factors are components of an ecosystem. These factors interact with one another in order to make a sustainable environment. Biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem. Abiotic is factors are the non-living components. One example of a biotic and abiotic relationship would be humans to oxygen. -
Burning of Fossil Fuels
One of our primary energy sources comes from fossil fuels. When these materials are burned, large emissions of carbon dioxide are let out into the air. Society has burned an increasing amount of fossil fuels for years now. -
Increased Carbon Dioxide
After years of releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, Earth's climate has had significant changes in temperature. Carbon dioxide is a necessary greenhouse gas which maintain the the Earth's heat. However, when there is too much of this energy, there are major consequences to our environment. -
Decreased pH Levels
A large portion of carbon dioxide emissions affect the ocean. The more gases, the more ocean acidification. Trends show that pH levels have been decreasing due to carbon dioxide rates rising. Many shellfish have been severely harmed and shell development has been stunted. -
Weakened Calcifiers
Calcifiers are being highly damaged by ocean acidification. A large portion of these animals are known as corals. Corals are an important part of the marine ecosystem. These creatures provide shelter, food, and climate regulation for other organisms living in the ocean. -
Summary
The burning of fossil fuels is damaging not only life on land, but life underwater. Our oceans are large part of our world and require a lot of care. If we continue to release these chemical gases into the air, the ability to sustain life on Earth will not be prolonged. However, there are ways we can prevent harming our planet any more.
