The Other CO2 Problem: Ocean Acidification

The world's oceans absorb about a quarter of the carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere from human activities. While this slows climate change slightly, it comes at a cost: increased CO2 dissolving in seawater makes it more acidic (lowers its pH).

Impacts:

• Shell-Building Organisms: Increased acidity makes it harder for organisms like corals, oysters, clams, mussels, and some plankton to build their shells and skeletons (made of calcium carbonate).
• Food Webs: Impacts on plankton and shellfish can disrupt marine food webs.
• Coral Reefs: Exacerbates coral bleaching and hinders reef growth, threatening diverse ecosystems.

Reducing global CO2 emissions is the primary way to mitigate ocean acidification.