Human activities that produce carbon dioxide cause ocean acidification. Some examples are deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and burning fossil fuels.

Deforestation is one of the significant causes of carbon dioxides in the atmosphere. We cut down trees and clear forest areas to make room for buildings, agricultural land use, construction, and manufacturing purposes, leading to the absence of trees and greenery to soak carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. 

Most of the farmlands on earth used to be part of a great expanse of forests. China lost most of its forested areas in the past 4000 years, while we cut down most of the trees in North America from the 1600s to the 1870s for construction, timber, and agriculture. We are destroying most of the remaining tropical rainforests to construct roads connecting inaccessible regions.

Forests and other green ecosystems play a unique role in preventing the accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere. They sequester carbon, meaning they are like a sponge, soaking carbon from the air. Trees absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, preventing the environment from overheating. 

Deforestation strips the environment of forests’ sequestering benefits. As we cut and burn down trees, we release the carbon stored in the tree while increasing the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Deforestation produces 4.8 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually. The increase causes a chain reaction, creating more acidic waters1.

Fewer trees are in the environment to absorb the carbon dioxide released into the air. So, it accumulates in the air, leading to ocean acidification and increasing its impact on ocean life.

Fossil fuels are nonrenewable energy sources used to generate electricity, heating, and transportation over the past two decades. The extraction and use of fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas contribute to the carbon dioxide in the air. 

We use these fuels to produce energy in various manufacturing companies, to produce electricity, and to power big engines. We also use them to cook and provide heat when it's cold. We also use them to power transport systems like buses, cars, airplanes, and ships.  

Burning crude oil, coal, and natural gas produces enormous amounts of carbon dioxide in the air, making it the most significant contributor to global warming. In 2022, 81% of the United States' energy comes from coal, natural gas, and crude oil, so you can imagine the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere daily.

Fossil fuels contribute the most CO2 to the air. In 2023, the fossil fuel industry released 36.8 billion tons of carbon, with the United States being the world’s second carbon emitter after China4.

Ocean acidification harms marine species in various ecosystems. It harms many marine species that rely on carbonate-based shells and those with high sensitivity to acid. Acidification also affects the complex food webs in the ocean. For instance, other marine species high on the food web feed on the ones with high sensitivity. 

Calcifying organisms are marine animals that use calcium carbonate to build their shells and skeletons. These marine species include coral reefs, plankton, oysters, etc. Ocean acidification breaks existing shells and skeletons and makes creating a new one challenging because of the ocean's limited calcium carbonate. 

Their shells become weak and vulnerable to damage from external factors, which weakens their recovery rates. For example, sea urchins help protect coral reefs from algae. However, they can't in acidic coastal areas because their weak protective shells make them more vulnerable to predators.

It also disrupts the food web because calcifying organisms prey on other animals. Some fish species are vulnerable to ocean acidification. Fish eggs and larvae might find it challenging to grow, develop, and survive in acidic oceans. An example is the clownfish larvae, which showed a reduced sense of smell in acidic marine environments, leading to risky swimming behaviors.

Palm oil is an incredibly efficient crop, producing more oil per land area than any other equivalent vegetable oil crop. Globally, palm oil supplies 40% of the world’s vegetable oil demand on just under 6% of the land used to produce all vegetable oils. To get the same amount of alternative oils like soybean, coconut, or sunflower oil you would need anything between 4 and 10 times more land, which would just shift the problem to other parts of the world and threaten other habitats, species and communities. Furthermore, there are millions of smallholder farmers who depend on producing palm oil for their livelihoods. Boycotting palm oil is not the answer. Instead, we need to demand more action to tackle the issues and go further and faster.

The RSPO is the global standard for the sustainable production of palm oil. When palm oil is produced in adherence to RSPO standards, growers help to protect the environment and the local communities who depend on the crop for their livelihoods, so that palm oil can continue to play a key role in food security, economic development, and food supply chains. We should continue to use RSPO certified sustainable palm oil in products, as replacing it would result in more deforestation and natural habitat conversion. RSPO certified products that use palm oil from ‘Segregated’ or ‘Identity Preserved’ supply chains offer the greatest assurance of sustainable palm oil.

Along with other organisations, WWF plays an active role in influencing and shaping the RSPO standard to make sure it puts in place more safeguards for people and the planet. In November 2018, the RSPO standard was strengthened and it now represents an essential tool that can help companies achieve their commitments to palm oil that is free of deforestation, conversion of other natural habitats like peatlands, and the exploitation of people.

Early dome structures include dome-shaped huts made from reeds, saplings, and red clay. The Innuit people in the Arctic also built igloos from ice blocks. Like cob houses, these structures were present in ancient times, specifically in the Middle East, India, and the Mediterranean.

However, older humans didn’t refer to them as geodesic domes because the term was formed in the modern century, the 1920s. Natural space and domes were typical in the Roman Pantheon. 

Romans built large-scale masonry hemispheres that required heavy wall supports. This concept also extended to Byzantine Architecture, the Constantinople building style. Byzantine builders developed a method to raise geodesic domes on piers, allowing lighting and communication from four directions.

They used inverted triangular masses of stones curved vertically and horizontally. The structure's highest point rested on four piers, and the joined sides formed arches over the openings of the four faces of the cube. The bases of the structure also met in a circle, forming the foundation of the dome. 

A prominent dome building in Greece is the Pantheon. It is a large dome supported by walls of cylindrical columns. The Pantheon unites Roman and Greek architectural styles. It has an opening at the top of the structure that serves as the primary light source. The oculus also reduces the dome's weight on the foundation.

Dome architecture went out of style from the 12th to the 16th century because of Gothic architecture. However, it regained its popularity during the Baroque and Renaissance periods. Furthermore, humans reimagined dome architecture in the 20th century by inventing geodesic dome homes.

Geodesic dome builders use few materials during construction, making it easy to move around. 
They don’t use concrete for construction. Instead, they use glass, wood, metal, and polycarbonate building materials to build the geometric components of geodesic domes. These building materials are easy to lift, ensuring the easy assembling of your home at your desired location. Natural Spaces Domes, a geodesic dome-building company, has patented connection hardware for easier installation.
According to Pacific Dome, another company, the separate parts of their dome house are packed in a box truck. It shows just how easy transportation is during construction compared to other structures.
Instead of cold air hitting a flat wall, the dome shape has a concave interior that creates natural airflow. It also acts like a headlight reflector that reflects interior heat, preventing radiant heat loss. Overall, it saves heat and reduces energy costs spent on air conditioning.
They provide natural light. The light comes in through their panels, saving electricity until nighttime. 
Unlike traditional homes, it efficiently improves the relationship between indoor spaces and nature. Geodesic domes are great for gardens, an art studio, or a music room.  
It uses a few materials to create a living space with less surface area. Dome homes have no corners, making more room for activities. 
Geodesic domes require low maintenance because they are made from durable materials that can withstand outdoor weather like heavy snow, high winds, and rainfall. They are suitable for people who live in areas with high winds because they can withstand wear. You can also clean geodesic homes made with glass and polycarbonate materials by wiping them with water, mild detergent, or power washing. 
Some geodesic dome home builders use bioceramics to construct these domes, which makes them fire-resistant. A geodesic dome home is an excellent housing option for people who live in areas regularly ravaged by wildfires.
Another benefit of geodesic homes is their versatility. You can use them as shelters for living, work, and studio space. Uses for geodesic domes also include weather observatories, glamping tents, retreats and community spaces, and children’s playrooms. You can customize dome homes to suit your needs and taste. 
You can also deconstruct geodesic dome homes quickly  and transport them to another space. 
Their aesthetically pleasing features are another plus.

While geodesic domes have incredible benefits, they also have disadvantages. Constructing a dome home can cost a lot because they are unique structures that are less common than conventional building structures. So, the construction labor will cost you. 

Another thing that might cost you money and energy is getting building permits. Depending on the location of your land, you might need them. Some areas have strict building codes and regulations that make it challenging to build unique structures.  

Also, installing some features we enjoy in traditional homes in dome homes can be challenging. An example is chimney installation. It is difficult to include chimneys and fireplaces. Installing fire escapes in larger domes will also cost a lot.

Furthermore, because of its spherical shape and panels, rooms and divisions within a dome home are not easily created. It will be difficult for you to get off-the-shelf fitting materials because most of the materials in the market are for right angles for traditional homes with square and linear structures.

Dome owners might also encounter leaking problems if the builders don’t install them properly. Sometimes, people install domes themselves without adequate knowledge or employ the services of an unskilled dome builder.

According to Shelter Structures, a specialist company in mobile and modular space solutions, here are some things to consider before building geodesic domes: 

Consider the purpose and diameter of your dome house before buying a geodesic dome kit. Domes above 20 meters are great for large-scale social gatherings, events, and art exhibitions, while 10-20 meter domes work best for small concerts, outdoor weddings, and corporate events. Geodesic domes below 10 meters are suitable for greenhouses, Airbnbs, hotels, campgrounds, and workspaces. 
Your budget is crucial as it determines dome homes' size, design, and quality. Geodesic domes below 10 m are more affordable for those with limited budgets.
You must also use high-quality materials like PVC, polycarbonate, and pre-drilled frame tubes. Ensure that everything is labeled correctly and that you have all you need. You'll need tools like thick ropes, a tape measure, a step ladder, electric and adjustable wrenches, and a utility knife. You'll also need a hammer drill if the structure is on a concrete foundation.
Consider the local building regulations and permits you might need. There are varying zoning laws and building codes that can affect your construction. Ensure you have all necessary permits to avoid unnecessary stress.

The frame structure of geodesic domes is one of the most crucial parts of the structure. The dome’s structure is self-supporting with interconnected triangles, which form a series of hexagons, reducing the materials used. 

Connect the various parts of the structure with bolts, nuts, zip ties, and special connectors. Use bolts and nuts for larger domes. Some structures already come with pre-cut holes to help you join them accurately. Zip ties work well for small geodesic domes, especially if they are temporary structures.

After setting up the structure, the next step is to add openings for windows and doors. You must plan these fittings properly because fitting them into a spherical structure can be challenging. 

Consider ventilation, natural light, and the dome layout before marking the locations of the windows and doors with chalk or tape. Along the markings, create openings for doors and windows. Some geodesic kits come with a pre-drilled door, which makes fittings easier.   

Let's not forget the covering for your dome. You can use many covering materials, including PVC (polyvinyl chloride), polycarbonate panels, tarpaulin, and canvas. Canvas has good insulation, breathability, and water resistance qualities, while tarpaulin is UV-resistant, waterproof, and lightweight.

Tarpaulin is excellent for temporary domes, but polycarbonate panels are more suitable for permanence. They are lightweight, durable, and resistant to UV rays. PVC covers can also withstand harsh weather conditions and ultraviolet rays. However, you'll need to sew it together to make it leak-free. 

You need to consider how to attach the covering to the structure securely. Thread cords or doors through the turkeys on the edges of your covering. You can use straps and buckles to allow flexibility to tighten and loosen the covering as needed. You can also use clips to grip the covering to the spherical structure. However, they are only suitable for temporary use.

Conclusion 

Geodesic homes have unmatched energy efficiency and can still withstand heavy snows, winds, and storms. Given their futuristic aesthetics, believing they were developed about 100 years ago is challenging. 

A dome house makes adequate use of the available space. Most dome home builders use PVC, polycarbonate panels, glass, and canvas to build domes. Some use concrete, which makes concrete domes much more expensive. If you want to be one of the dome people, consult expert builders to construct your dream home.