Stockholms Universitet

New Research from Stockholms Universitet Sheds Light on the Effects of Climate Change on Ocean Acidification

Study Finds that Ocean Acidification is Having a Devastating Impact on Marine Life

Acidic waters are causing coral reefs to dissolve, fish to lose their sense of smell, and shellfish to struggle to build their shells.

A new study from Stockholms Universitet has found that ocean acidification is having a devastating impact on marine life. The study, which was published in the journal Nature Climate Change, found that acidic waters are causing coral reefs to dissolve, fish to lose their sense of smell, and shellfish to struggle to build their shells.

Ocean acidification is caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the ocean. As the ocean absorbs more carbon dioxide, it becomes more acidic. The pH of the ocean has decreased by about 0.1 since the pre-industrial era, and it is projected to decrease by another 0.3 to 0.5 by the end of the century.

This change in pH may not seem like much, but it is having a significant impact on marine life. Coral reefs, for example, are made up of calcium carbonate. As the ocean becomes more acidic, the calcium carbonate in the coral reefs dissolves. This can cause the reefs to collapse, which can have a devastating impact on the marine life that depends on them.

Fish are also being affected by ocean acidification. A study published in the journal Science found that fish that are exposed to acidic waters lose their sense of smell. This can make it difficult for them to find food and avoid predators.

Shellfish are also being affected by ocean acidification. A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that shellfish that are exposed to acidic waters have difficulty building their shells. This can make them more vulnerable to predators and disease.

The effects of ocean acidification are already being felt around the world. Coral reefs are bleaching and dying, fish are losing their sense of smell, and shellfish are struggling to build their shells. If ocean acidification continues to increase, it could have a devastating impact on the marine ecosystem.

What Can We Do to Stop Ocean Acidification?

There are a number of things that we can do to stop ocean acidification. We can reduce our emissions of carbon dioxide, which is the main cause of ocean acidification. We can also invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. We can also protect and restore coastal habitats, which can help to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.