Rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are causing the world’s oceans to acidify and warm at an alarming rate, according to a new study published in the journal Nature Climate Change. The study, led by researchers at the University of California, Davis, found that the average acidity of the world’s oceans has already increased by 30% since pre-industrial times. This increase is primarily due to the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which dissolves in seawater and forms carbonic acid. The researchers also found that the average temperature of the world’s oceans has increased by about 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial times. This warming is primarily due to the increased absorption of heat by the oceans, which is a result of the greenhouse effect. The study’s findings are particularly concerning because ocean acidification and warming can have a devastating impact on marine life. Acidic water can dissolve the shells of marine organisms, making them more vulnerable to predators and disease. Warming waters can also cause coral reefs to bleach and die, and can disrupt the migration patterns of fish and other marine animals. The study’s authors warn that if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise at current rates, the world’s oceans could become even more acidic and warm by the end of the century. This could have a catastrophic impact on marine life and the global food supply. “Our results show that ocean acidification and warming are accelerating at an unprecedented rate,.
Study: Climate Change to Speed Up Ocean Acidification, Warming
