6.7B Ocean acidification

• Ocean Acidification:

  • Oceans are important carbon sinks but due to their increasing uptake of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, their overall pH is decreasing leading to ocean acidification
  • The acidity of the ocean today is estimated to be on average about 25% greater than it was during pre-industrial times
  • Ocean acidification increases the risk of marine ecosystems reaching a critical threshold of permanent damage
• • Ocean acidification will be exacerbated by other factors including warming temperatures, tropical storms and pollution
  • Ecosystem resilience is important - if the rate of acidification is slow enough, the organisms may be able to adapt to the changes and be more resilient
• • The Arctic Ocean is likely to be affected first due to its low pH threatening its ‘cold’ corals
  • Globally, coral reefs are already experiencing bleaching from increasing temperatures
  • Coral reefs are also affected by ocean acidification