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Struggling Life in the Oceans (cont.)

S ince the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, acidity in the seas has increased by 30 percent. Several effects of this acidification have al- ready caused irreversible damage to marine life. In fact, climate scien- tists claim that these effects are likely to accelerate. If carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions continue to harm key parts of the marine environment at the present rate, some sea species may face extinction by 2050.

Marine Calcifiers There are certain marine animals such as mollusks, corals, crustaceans, and others that create their shells with the help of calciumcarbonate . Such organisms are called marine calcifiers. However, the increasing carbon dioxide in water hampers the ability of these organisms to produce new shells. As oceans and seas are becoming acidic, shells of most marine calcifiers may also dissolve.

Ocean acidification explained

CLIMATE CHANGE: Problems and Progress

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