Ocean Acidification

The ocean absorbs a lot of the carbon dioxide that people put into the air. When too much carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, it makes the water more acidic. This is called ocean acidification. It can be harmful to sea creatures, especially those with shells and skeletons made of calcium.

How It Happens

When carbon dioxide from the air dissolves in ocean water, it creates a weak acid. This slowly makes the ocean less friendly for animals that build shells. Clams, oysters, and corals all need the right water conditions to grow. When the water becomes more acidic, their shells and skeletons can become thin and weak.

What We Can Do

The best way to slow ocean acidification is to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide we put into the air. Using clean energy like solar and wind power helps. Planting trees also removes carbon dioxide from the air. Scientists are studying ways to help ocean animals adapt to changing conditions.

Fun Facts

• The ocean has become about 30 percent more acidic since the start of the Industrial Revolution.
• Tiny sea snails called pteropods are so affected by acidification that their shells can start to dissolve.
• The ocean absorbs about 22 million tons of carbon dioxide every single day.

Did You Know?

Ocean acidification is sometimes called climate change's evil twin because it is caused by the same gas but harms the ocean in a different way!