Ocean Acidification: Planetary Boundaries Breached
- The world's oceans are in deeper trouble than previously thought, wiht ocean acidification playing a meaningful role.
- Nina Bednaršek,a senior researcher at Oregon State University,said changes are happening globally,impacting both pristine and polluted areas.
- the danger zone is defined as when calcium carbonate levels, essential for marine organisms to build shells, drop below 20% of pre-industrial levels.
Ocean Acidification’s Role: Marine Systems face Greater Peril
The world’s oceans are in deeper trouble than previously thought, wiht ocean acidification playing a meaningful role. A new study in Global Change Biology reveals that the process, driven by the absorption of excess carbon dioxide, crossed a critical “planetary boundary” five years ago.
Nina Bednaršek,a senior researcher at Oregon State University,said changes are happening globally,impacting both pristine and polluted areas. The study, which included researchers from plymouth Marine Laboratory and NOAA, indicates that by 2020, oceans were nearing or had already entered a danger zone regarding acidity.
the danger zone is defined as when calcium carbonate levels, essential for marine organisms to build shells, drop below 20% of pre-industrial levels. The current figure stands at approximately 17%.
Steve Widdicombe, director of science at the Plymouth lab, warned of the societal and economic implications. He said the loss of critical habitats due to increasing acidity threatens countless marine species.
What’s next
Scientists continue to monitor the nine planetary boundaries, including climate change and ocean acidification, to assess risks to human survival and thriving. further research will focus on mitigating the effects of carbon emissions on marine ecosystems and coastal communities.