Question

How does the burning of fossil fuels impact the oceans? Discuss 2 ways the oceans are impacted.(4 points)
grade 6

Answer 1

Here are two clear ways burning fossil fuels impacts the oceans (good for 4 points — 2 points each):

1) Ocean warming
- Cause: Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the air, which trap heat.
- Effect: The oceans absorb much of that extra heat, so sea temperatures rise. Warmer oceans cause coral bleaching, change where sea animals can live, and make sea levels rise (water expands and ice melts).

2) Ocean acidification
- Cause: The ocean absorbs some of the CO2 from the air. When CO2 dissolves in seawater it forms weak acid.
- Effect: The water becomes more acidic, which makes it harder for shell-forming animals (like clams, oysters, and many plankton) and corals to build and keep their shells and skeletons. This harms food chains and reef ecosystems.