The world's oceans have crossed a critical line - their acidity level has reached dangerous levels, threatening marine ecosystems. Researchers came to this conclusion after analyzing data for the last decades.
International scientists have confirmed that the world's oceans have crossed a critical acidification threshold. According to a study published in the journal Global Change Biology, 40% of surface water and 60% of deep water has already reached a dangerous level of acidity. This threatens marine ecosystems across the planet.
The main cause is the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by the oceans. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, the content of carbonate ions in the water has decreased by 20%, which disrupts the formation of shells and skeletons in marine organisms. Corals, molluscs and plankton - key links in the marine food chain - are particularly affected. Coral reefs, home to thousands of species, are the most vulnerable. Their mass mortality could have catastrophic consequences for biodiversity. Scientists note that some changes have already become irreversible.
However, the researchers emphasize that not all is lost. Urgent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and the introduction of carbon capture technologies can slow the acidification process. Strict control of industrial effluents and the development of international programs to protect the oceans are becoming critical.
The main task now is to prevent further deterioration of the situation. Scientists are calling on the global community to take immediate action while the oceans still retain the ability to recover.