The Science Behind Ocean Acidification
Ocean acidification refers to the reduction in the pH of the Earth's oceans, caused primarily by uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. It is a critical environmental issue. As CO2 levels increase, water becomes more acidic, which can have detrimental effects on marine life, especially organisms that rely on calcium carbonate to form shells and skeletons.
Effects on Marine Life
This acidification can lead to weaker shells and skeletons, threatening organisms like corals, mollusks, and certain plankton species. This disruption can cascade through the food web, affecting all marine animals, including larger species such as fish and marine mammals.