We’re running out of time to save our world’s oceans, according to a new report published by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.

what’s going on

That reported de France 24, the study outlines an alarming future: in just a few years, our oceans may no longer be able to properly support life or help regulate the Earth’s climate, due to intense acidification.

According to the report, ocean acidification is one of nine critical Earth system processes, or planetary boundariesresponsible for regulating life support systems on Earth. Planetary boundaries create a safe zone for humans to maintain a stable and resilient Earth. When a boundary is crossed, the likelihood of permanently damaging Earth’s life-supporting functions increases significantly. With each boundary crossed, the risk of irreversible damage increases even more.

Six of the nine planetary boundaries have already been breached, according to the Potsdam Institute reportand if ocean acidification trends continue, as researchers predict, a seventh breach is not far behind.

The biggest culprit behind ocean acidification is the world’s continuous generation of carbon pollution from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.

“As CO2 emissions rise, more dissolves in seawater…making the oceans more acidic,” said Boris Sakschewski, one of the lead authors, told France 24. “Even with rapid emission reductions, some level of continued acidification may be inevitable due to the CO2 already emitted and the time required for the ocean system to respond.”

“Therefore, breaching the ocean acidification limit seems inevitable in the coming years,” he warned.

Why is ocean acidification a concern?

Discussions about ocean acidification it is often referred to as “osteoporosis of the sea” due to its ability to break down important minerals used by oysters, clams, lobsters, shrimp, coral reefs and other marine life to build their shells and exoskeletons – as detailed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

As integral parts of the ecosystem, significant losses of these creatures would devastate other marine life that rely on them for food or shelter, other animals that depend on that marine life, and so on, creating a domino effect that could lead to of late. to the death of most if not all life in the world’s oceans.

Ocean acidification would also cripple a major food source for humans. According to the EU, the oceans represent approx 15% of global protein intake. Local and global economies are also at risk, with one since 2015 study from Oregon State University, revealing that the United States 1 billion dollars the shellfish industry could experience crippling losses. Also NOAA RECORDED the danger to Alaskan fisheries, including the loss of more than 100,000 jobs.

studied have shown that ocean acidification would also endanger human health as a result of increased pollution, including that from toxic algae blooms. Ocean acidification can toxic algae species more dangerousbecause the flowers can release more toxins, they become faster to appear and appear more frequently.

In addition, ocean acidification disrupts the ocean’s ability to absorb pollution. The oceans occupied approx 30% of human carbon emissions released into our atmosphere mainly from burning fossil fuels, according to a study by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

What is being done about ocean acidification?

To avoid the devastating effects of ocean acidification, the root and contribution no. 1 to the problem — carbon dioxide emissions — must be addressed.

This includes plans for reducing or operations with net zero emissions by switching to zero-emission vehicles such as electric vehicles, zero-emission buildings and infrastructure, and energy transitions to green energy production such as wind and solar.

Individuals can play their part in reducing carbon emissions by also making cleaner energy choices, such as switching to an EV or solar installation on the roof. Even growing your own products home, or riding a bicycle or taking public transport can make a difference.

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