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Ocean Acidification: A Quiet but Serious Shift

As oceans absorb more CO2, seawater chemistry changes in ways that challenge shell-building species.

The ocean absorbs a significant share of atmospheric carbon dioxide, which helps slow warming but alters seawater chemistry. This process lowers pH and reduces carbonate ions that many organisms need to build shells and skeletons.

Species such as oysters, mussels, and some plankton are especially vulnerable in early life stages. Changes at the base of the food web can scale up, affecting fisheries, biodiversity, and coastal livelihoods.

Addressing acidification requires cutting emissions while improving local resilience. Monitoring programs, habitat restoration, and better water management can reduce stress and buy time for adaptation.