One idea to mitigate the effects of burning fossil fuels on atmospheric CO2 concentrations is to pipe liquid CO2 into the ocean at depths of 2,500 feet or greater. At the high pressures at such depths, CO2 is heavier than water. What potential effects might result from implementing such a scheme?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When CO2 is dissolved in water, it forms carbonic acid, which can decrease the pH and increase the acidity of the water. This can have negative impacts on marine organisms, especially those with calcium carbonate shells or structures, as the increased acidity can hinder their ability to form and maintain those structures. Additionally, increased CO2 levels can lead to changes in the carbonate-bicarbonate equilibrium, which can impact the formation of shells and skeletons in various marine organisms, including corals. Therefore, while piping liquid CO2 into the ocean may mitigate some atmospheric CO2 concentrations, it could also have negative effects on marine ecosystems.

One Idea to Mitigate the Effects of Burning Fossil Fuels