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Learn about Ocean Acidification — Simply Explained
Ocean acidification is the ongoing decrease in ocean pH caused by absorbing excess CO₂ from the atmosphere. The ocean has absorbed about 30% of human-produced CO₂, which reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid. Since the Industrial Revolution, ocean acidity has increased by about 30%, threatening marine ecosystems.
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Why is ocean acidification dangerous?+
Acidic water dissolves the calcium carbonate that shellfish, corals, and plankton use to build their shells and skeletons. This threatens entire marine food chains, from tiny sea snails to whales.
Can ocean acidification be reversed?+
Reducing CO₂ emissions is the primary solution. Some researchers are exploring adding alkaline materials to the ocean, but the scale of the problem is enormous and natural recovery would take thousands of years.
How does this affect humans?+
Billions of people depend on marine life for food and livelihoods. Coral reef decline alone threatens fisheries that feed 500 million people and protect coastlines from storm damage.
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