Environmental Politics Ocean Governance Questions
Ocean acidification is the process by which the pH levels of the Earth's oceans decrease, making them more acidic. This occurs due to the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere into the seawater. When CO2 dissolves in water, it forms carbonic acid, which then releases hydrogen ions, leading to a decrease in pH. Ocean acidification has significant consequences for marine life, as it can hinder the ability of organisms such as corals, shellfish, and plankton to build and maintain their shells or skeletons. It also disrupts the balance of marine ecosystems, affecting the entire food chain and biodiversity. This phenomenon is primarily caused by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, which release large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere.