Ocean Acidification and the Apocalypse

By John Arfstrom

Follow the pursuits of John whose greatest ambition is to claim the Earth as his own through a scenario of the future of humanity and the Earth in the wake of a newly understood phenomenon known as ocean acidification. Besides causing global warming, carbon dioxide increased the acidity of the oceans. This eventually caused oxygen-producing calcareous single-celled phytoplankton to die by reducing their ability to secrete calcium-based structures. Because the oceans produce more than half of the world's oxygen, the atmospheric oxygen concentration began to fall and all life on Earth was stressed. The oxygen concentration of the atmosphere is currently at 21%. People pass out at 16% and die at 12%. An ancient mass extinction known as the "Great Dying" that resulted in the disappearance of 95% of all species was being repeated. Leading up to the event, plant and animal life became less productive by some 50% due to the decreasing oxygen concentration in the atmosphere, resulting in worldwide famine. The societal instability caused by the famine presented a unique opportunity for John to greatly influence world events. Under the guise of an environmental savior who truly has the means to save the Earth, John endeavors to instigate World War III through ingenious and sometimes ruthless acts of subterfuge. Author notes: The story is intended to increase public awareness of ocean acidification. Although it is not currently known what the full-scale effects increasing acidity will have on phytoplankton, it is not beyond the realm of possibility that they will see a general decline. Some preliminary research has been conducted on these effects, but much more is required to have any real idea of just what will happen in the coming decades. The same may be said about the effects of low oxygen on plant productivity. I also wish to present some ideas concerning ocean acidification remediation. I do not concentrate on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, but rather focus on the genetic engineering of algae to increase oxygen output and support the food web of the oceans. Some ideas concerning the use of algae to produce oxygen have been discussed in the emerging fields of geoengineering. I also wish to present a concept for constructing habitats and other underground facilities to save from extinction whatever animals could be maintained through many decades. After control is regained on the surface, enclosed and domed habitats could be constructed to help to accomplish this endeavor. The character John has the means to save or destroy the Earth and, being highly intelligent, chooses to find a balance between his goal of conquest and saving much of the biosphere through solutions based upon logical deduction. However, his emotions come into play throughout the story. I think that it is partly up to private individuals of great capabilities to fund and develop the science and technologies needed to combat the effects of ocean acidification, and I hope that my story will enlighten and inspire some of these people. John Arfstrom has published scientific research on the subject of glaciers on Mars in the journal Icarus. His ongoing research may be viewed at ResearchGate and johnarfstrom.com. His first novella, entitled "The Destiny of Wysan", concerns the San Bushmen and the invention of the bow and arrow. His second novella, entitled "Ocean Acidification and the Apocalypse", is a scenario of the near future. His interest in the subject of ocean acidification is outlined at ocean-acidification.info. Both novellas may be found at Amazon. Some of his interests include ancient history, human evolution, and nature.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1074306945
• ISBN13: 9781074306946
• Release Date: June 2019
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 72 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 11.0"