Ocean Acidification: Exploring the "Silent" Impact of Climate Change
Release Date: 11/20/2023
How To Protect The Ocean
French Polynesia marine protected area is now the largest in the world, covering nearly 4.8 million square kilometers of ocean. This groundbreaking conservation effort was announced during the United Nations Ocean Conference and includes large no-take zones near the Society and Gambier Islands, along with expansive areas that restrict harmful activities like deep-sea mining and bottom trawling. The MPA recognizes traditional fishing rights while also preserving critical marine habitats. Marine conservation leadership by French Polynesia demonstrates how small island states can make bold...
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The problem with seaweed aquaculture is that it’s not always as ocean-friendly as it seems. While seaweed farming is often praised as a climate solution—able to sequester carbon, improve water quality, and support sustainable food systems—scientists are now warning that its rapid, unregulated expansion could be damaging vital marine ecosystems. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we dive into how seaweed farms are being placed over seagrass meadows, disrupting fish nurseries, smothering biodiversity, and altering water chemistry in ways we’re only beginning to understand....
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UNOC 2025 brought major headlines in ocean conservation—from billions pledged to protect biodiversity, to significant movement on the High Seas Treaty. In this episode, Andrew Lewin returns from the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, with a firsthand account of what was announced, what was promised, and what might actually happen. Ocean finance was a hot topic this year. Governments, development banks, and private investors pledged record-breaking funding to tackle everything from plastic pollution to marine ecosystem restoration. But Andrew dives into why these billions still fall...
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Why Cayman Islanders Voted against a massive cruise ship pier is a rare and powerful story of reef protection over profit. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin unpacks the bold decision by Cayman citizens to reject a development project that would have severely damaged their coral reef ecosystem. The vote sent a clear message: the long-term health of the ocean matters more than short-term tourism dollars. Why Cayman Islanders Voted is also a reminder that grassroots action can be effective. Andrew explores how this vote happened, what it means for ocean conservation around...
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Climate policy in the U.S. has taken a wild ride in recent years. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, I speak with Chris Moyer, founder of Echo Communication Advisors, about the turbulent shifts in federal policy—especially during the Trump and Biden administrations, and how these shifts have disrupted progress in renewable energy. We examine the implications of these changes for energy development, environmental protection, and the impact of public messaging on political will to act. Renewable energy isn’t just a technological challenge—it’s also a communication challenge....
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Oceans Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a moment to reflect on the state of our blue planet and our role in protecting it. In this heartfelt episode, Andrew Lewin shares a personal message for Oceans Day 2025 (and any day after), speaking directly to those who feel overwhelmed by climate anxiety and unsure of their place in ocean conservation. His reminder is clear: the problems may be big, but so is our potential to create change. Ocean conservation isn’t only for scientists or policymakers—it’s for everyone. Andrew emphasizes that small, intentional actions taken by...
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Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) began as a bold idea—to create a real-time, always-on listening system for the ocean. In this episode, Surfacing Secrets: Mavericks and Visionaries, we go behind the scenes with the people who made that idea real. From laying cables deep in the Pacific to building trust with research institutions and government partners, this is the untold story of how a world-leading ocean observatory came to life. Our guests—Kate Moran (President and CEO of Ocean Networks Canada), John Delaney (Professor Emeritus, School of Oceanography, University of Washington), and...
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Ocean conservation is more than protecting ecosystems—it’s about empowering people to lead change. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew, Serena, and Amanda explore the WaveMaker identity, what it means to be part of a movement, and how The Undertow is creating a community where action and support go hand-in-hand. WaveMakers aren’t just scientists or campaigners—they’re everyday people standing up for the ocean. This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the launch of The Undertow and the people who are already making waves in ocean conservation worldwide. Join The...
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Ocean conservation is evolving—and The Undertow is leading the way by merging storytelling, technology, and community. In this episode, host Andrew Lewin is joined by Amanda Horn and Serena Nguyen to unveil The Undertow, a new platform designed to supercharge ocean action by connecting people from all backgrounds to meaningful environmental impact. Innovation lies at the heart of The Undertow’s mission: to create 10 million new ocean connections and unlock $5 million in tangible ocean action by World Ocean Day 2030. Whether you’re a marine biologist, marketer, artist, or someone curious...
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Prevent overfishing by making the invisible visible. In this episode, Courtney Farthing from Global Fishing Watch explains how vessel tracking and open data systems are key to protecting marine life and holding industrial fisheries accountable. With over 75% of industrial fishing vessels missing from public monitoring systems, it’s time to shine a light on what’s happening at sea. Global Fishing Watch is leading the charge to prevent overfishing through transparency—making vessel locations, identities, and activities publicly accessible. Courtney shares how this data empowers...
info_outlineIn this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the often overlooked consequence of climate change: ocean acidification. He explains what ocean acidification is, its impact on the oceans, and explores potential solutions. This important issue is rarely discussed in the media, making it crucial for listeners to be informed and take action.
Link to article: https://greencoast.org/ocean-acidification-solutions/
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In this episode, the host discusses the significance of utilizing alternative modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, or public transport, to decrease carbon emissions from cars. The host emphasizes that these alternative transportation methods not only benefit the environment but also promote personal health.
While the host acknowledges that electric vehicles (EVs) are a viable option for transportation since they don't consume fossil fuels and therefore don't contribute to carbon emissions, they also encourage the use of walking, cycling, or public transport. These options are not only environmentally friendly but also promote physical activity and overall well-being.
Furthermore, the host highlights the concept of reducing food miles as a means to minimize transportation-related carbon emissions. They suggest consuming locally grown foods and eating locally, as most meals in the US travel over 1,500 miles to reach consumers. By purchasing and consuming local and seasonal food, individuals can reduce the energy and CO2 emissions associated with food transportation.
Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of utilizing alternative modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, or public transport, to reduce carbon emissions from cars. It also promotes the idea of eating locally and consuming locally grown foods to minimize transportation-related carbon emissions.
In this episode, the host emphasizes the significance of eating locally grown foods as a way to reduce the transportation of food and the associated carbon emissions. The host explains that most meals in the US travel over 1,500 miles to reach our plates, and this transportation by road, rail, or air consumes energy and releases CO2, with air freight being the most polluting. By choosing to eat locally, such as shopping at farmer's markets or local groceries, individuals can significantly reduce the distance that food needs to travel.
The host emphasizes the benefits of consuming seasonal food that is available in and around our area. By doing so, we can switch to foods that are readily available and do not require long-distance transportation. This not only reduces carbon emissions but also allows individuals to connect with the food in their local communities.
Additionally, the host mentions the concept of "food miles," which refers to the distance that food travels from the farm to the consumer. By reducing food miles through the consumption of locally grown foods, individuals can contribute to reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.
Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of eating locally grown foods as a way to reduce the transportation of food and the associated carbon emissions. By making conscious choices and opting for seasonal and locally sourced food, individuals can play a significant role in mitigating the environmental impact of the food industry.
In this episode, the host discusses the importance of repair, reuse, and recycling to decrease carbon emissions from manufacturing new products. The host points out that often, items are discarded instead of being repaired due to the high cost of fixing them or the convenience of buying new ones. However, the host emphasizes the need to shift this mindset and prioritize repairing more things, such as iPhones or mobile phones, instead of immediately disposing of them.
By repairing and reusing items, the host explains that we can significantly reduce the amount of CO2 emitted during the manufacturing process of new products. This is because manufacturing new products requires energy and resources, which contribute to carbon emissions. By extending the lifespan of products through repair and reuse, we can minimize the need for new production and therefore reduce the associated CO2 emissions.
Additionally, the host acknowledges the importance of recycling certain items. While recycling is often seen as a solution to reducing waste and carbon emissions, the host acknowledges that it can sometimes be misleading, as not all items are equally recyclable. However, the host encourages listeners to prioritize refusing single-use plastics and other non-recyclable items whenever possible. By refusing and reusing items that are difficult to dispose of, we can further contribute to reducing carbon emissions and protecting natural environments.
Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of repair, reuse, and recycling as strategies to decrease carbon emissions from manufacturing new products. By adopting these practices, we can extend the lifespan of items, minimize waste, and decrease the energy and resources required for new production, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly approach.