With climate change, the balance of the oceans is also undergoing major changes, causing them to become increasingly acidic. Let's see how, and why. It all starts with CO2 absorbed by the oceans The acidification of the seas is a direct result of the excess carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere. This is the gas we emit every time we use a motor vehicle or burn fossil fuels. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), from 1750 to 2014, 30% of the carbon dioxide emitted as a result of human activities was absorbed by the oceans. When seawater absorbs CO2, a chemical reaction occurs that leads to the formation of carbonic acid (H2CO3), making it more acidic. It is as if the sea turns into a giant glass of sparkling water, which is not, however, as inviting as a fizzy soft drink. The consequences of acidification Imagine living in a house where the walls are getting thinner and thinner. This is what’s happening to sea creatures that have a skeleton or shell, such as corals, crustaceans, and mollusks. Ocean acidification makes it harder for these organisms to build and maintain their calcareous shells. This can lead to the weakening of marine ecosystems, which are critical for life on Earth. But that's not all. More acidic oceans are also affecting the fish and plankton species that are at the bottom of the marine food chain. And if these suffer or are lost, the entire marine ecosystem is affected. How to combat ocean acidification? The need to make more sustainable choices It is therefore important to become aware of the impact of our daily actions on the Planet. Every time we use a car, consume red meat from intensive livestock farms (which account for about 15% of CO emissions, according to FAO) or do not recycle our waste, we contribute to increased global warming. And, as we have seen, these emissions also affect marine ecosystems. Reducing our carbon footprint through more sustainable choices – such as the use of public transportation, renewable energy production, low-impact diets and proper waste management – can help limit ocean acidification. This is a challenge that requires a collective effort. Let’s never forget that protecting our climate is also about protecting our oceans.
