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Oceans Becoming More Acidic, Putting Marine Life at Risk of Extinction

A new report has revealed a growing crisis in our oceans, as increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, primarily from burning fossil fuels, are driving ocean acidification. This alarming development is one of the most pressing environmental concerns highlighted in the inaugural Planetary Health Check from the Planetary Boundaries Science (PBScience) initiative.

The report indicates that Earth's systems are in critical condition, with six of nine planetary boundaries, including ocean health, nearing dangerous tipping points. Led by Earth System scientist Johan Rockström and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, the findings show that climate change and biosphere degradation have already breached safe limits, leaving the planet on a dangerous trajectory.

"Our latest assessment shows that Earth's vital systems are weakening," said Levke Caesar, one of the report's co-authors. "We are entering zones of increasing risk, which threaten life support systems and raise the likelihood of crossing irreversible thresholds."

Ocean Acidification Reaches Critical Levels

Ocean acidification stands out as one of the most serious threats identified in the report, primarily caused by rising CO2 levels. The current global aragonite saturation—a key indicator of ocean acidity—sits at 2.80, dangerously close to the critical level of 2.75. If this trend continues, scientists warn that ocean acidity could surpass safe limits in just a few years.

The potential impacts are profound, as the acidification of oceans threatens the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Fragile species, such as coral reefs and phytoplankton, which form the base of marine food webs, are particularly vulnerable.

Grave Impacts on Marine Ecosystems

As the ocean becomes more acidic, the survival of coral reefs and essential phytoplankton species is in jeopardy. This could have a cascading effect, leading to the collapse of global fisheries and worsening food insecurity, particularly for coastal communities. The economic fallout would be severe, as entire industries dependent on marine life could suffer.

"We are at risk of losing the planet as we know it," warned Caesar. "The more we push into these red zones, the greater the danger."

The report stresses that ocean acidification is not affecting all regions equally. Polar areas, where colder waters absorb CO2 more quickly, are already experiencing accelerated impacts. Biological oceanographer Helen Findlay cautioned that the polar regions play an outsized role in regulating the planet's climate systems, making the acidification in these areas particularly concerning.

A Call to Action

In addition to acidification, other factors like extreme ocean temperatures and declining oxygen levels are compounding the challenges marine ecosystems face. Experts argue that to address these interconnected issues, immediate action is needed to drastically reduce climate emissions by 50% before 2030. Only by tackling these multiple stressors together, they say, can we reverse the damage and keep planetary boundaries from being crossed.