This animation, presented by, Animuse, employs a scientific approach to explore ocean acidification, its impact on biodiversity, planetary boundaries, and the effects of human activities on the environment

Participants will be able to experiment how the CO2 from their breathing acidifies the water and build links with the ocean acidification due to CO2 emissions by human activities. Shellfish will be dissolved in acidic products to see the impact on biodiversity.

The activity can be proposed to young people aged 8 to 18, and should be adapted according to the age of the participants and their ability to understand the complex mechanisms involved.

This activity was carried out as part of Climate Week in Geneva in November 2024.

This activity helps to develop the following skills:

• I am curious, I seek information and I try to understand
• I apply the scientific approach
• I rely on my group to solve problems.

The objectives of this activity are as follows :

• Experiment and manipulate
• Discover the concept of ocean acidification and its effects on biodiversity
• Discuss the impact of human activities on the environment and planetary limits and propose measures to limit this impact.

Activity sequence
Material

– glass jar
– straws
– pH meters
– Vinegar, milk, lemon…(products to be tested)
– water
– Corals
– Shellfish
– writing utensils
– Cleaning supplies!

Introduction
– Spark interest by showing a sample of dissolved shellfish.
– Ask questions and encourage discussion on the issue of climate change. What are the causes? Greenhouse gases (CO2, among others) resulting from human activity.
– We also breathe out CO2

1- Each participant is given a jar of water and a straw. The pH of the water is measured before and after blowing. A table is drawn up and the before and after measurements are compared. It can be seen that the value decreases after blowing. Discussions on pH, acidity and CO2 (greenhouse gas).

2. Test the pH of various acidic products (vinegar, lemon, milk, etc.).

3. Place shellfish in vinegar and other tested products. Over time, they will dissolve (more or less quickly).

4. Build the link between CO2, acidity and the dissolution of ecosystems. Show some corals and talk about coral reefs and biodiversity. Ocean acidification is one of the planetary limits that has not (yet) been exceeded in 2024.

Conclusion
Discuss the planetary limits and the measures to be taken to avoid exceeding those that have not yet been exceeded (individual and collective measures).

Adaptations
Depending on the age of the participants :
– Have two groups work in parallel and then exchange ideas for a while.
– Encourage them to formulate hypotheses
– Engage the discussion on planetary limits, ecosystems and individual and collective responsibilities.