Learn more about Ocean Acidification: The Other CO2 Problem

ACID TEST, a film produced by NRDC, was made to raise awareness about the largely unknown problem of ocean acidification, which poses a fundamental challenge to life in the seas and the health of the entire planet. Like global warming, ocean acidification stems from the increase of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere since the start of the Industrial Revolution.

Leading scientific experts on the problem, many of whom appear in the film and the outtakes below, believe that it's possible to cut back on global warming pollution, improve the overall health and durability of our oceans, and prevent serious harm to our world, but only if action is taken quickly and decisively.

The film originally aired on Discovery Planet Green. An Entertainment Industry Foundation grant provided the core funding for this film. Cinematographers Howard and Michele Hall and Nel Boshoff provided footage, and many other people assisted greatly in the making of ACID TEST. To learn more about the movie and who was responsible for it (and get an idea of what it was like to work with narrator Sigourney Weaver), read co-director Daniel Hinerfeld's blog.

Video Extras

Acid Test Trailer

See the 2 minute trailer for ACID TEST.

Acid Test mentioned in the Senate

Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) describes NRDC's 'Acid Test' movie during markup of the Climate Change & Energy Bill in the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee.

Acid Test Outtake: Coral Reefs

Scientists Lisa Suatoni, Ken Caldeira and Ove Hoegh-Guldberg discuss the damage ocean acidification is causing coral reefs, and Lisa Suatoni shares a personal anecdote about snorkeling with her children.

Acid Test Outtake: Food Web

Fisherman Bruce Steele shares his theory about why we care less about the oceans, and scientists Steve Palumbi and Ken Caldeira explain how the largest creatures in the ocean are dependent on the smallest ones. They explain how ocean acidification could disrupt the entire food web, with dire consequences.

Acid Test Outtake: Chemistry

What happens when excess carbon dioxide mixes with ocean water? How does that affect our planet? Fisherman Bruce Steele and several scientists (Victoria Fabry, Ken Caldeira, Steve Palumbi and Ove Hoegh-Guldberg) explain what's happening to our oceans, and why ocean acidification is such an urgent issue.

Acid Test Outtake: Policy

How can ocean acidification be prevented? NRDC's Ralph Cavanagh and scientists Ken Caldeira, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg and Steve Palumbi discuss the steps we need to take, and how helping our oceans can directly benefit for our economy.

Acid Test Outtake: Making The Choice

Scientist Steve Palumbi discusses what's at stake, and Ken Caldeira explains how this is not just an economic issue, but also a moral one. Both men talk about their frustration that we don't seem to be doing enough to prevent this catastrophe. (Also featuring fisherman Bruce Steele, and scientists Lisa Suatoni and Ove Hoegh-Guldberg.)

NRDC interviews Philippe Cousteau

Philippe Cousteau discusses the consequences of ocean acidification and offers tips on what individuals can do to help.