A recent report by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) warns that the world’s oceans are nearing a critical acidification level, threatening marine life and climate stability.
The report identifies nine crucial factors regulating Earth’s ability to sustain life, six of which have already exceeded safe limits due to human activities.
Ocean acidification is caused by increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from burning fossil fuels, which dissolves in seawater, damaging corals, shellfish, and phytoplankton.
Consequences include:
Disrupted food supplies for billions
Reduced ocean capacity to absorb CO2
Exacerbated global warming
Only the ozone layer boundary remains within safe limits, thanks to bans on harmful chemicals.
Researchers warn that breaching these planetary boundaries can lead to irreversible and catastrophic outcomes.
However, addressing one issue can have significant benefits across multiple problems.
Experts urge rapid emission cuts to mitigate ocean acidification and protect Earth’s life systems.
Sources: Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)
