Earth's Oceans Nearing Acidic Levels Unfit for Life: Scientists

The health of our oceans is under serious threat, as a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) suggests they are becoming increasingly acidic. This acidification has reached such critical levels that it could imperil marine ecosystems and disrupt climate regulation activities. 
 
In their report, PIK outlined nine key planetary boundaries that are essential for sustaining life on Earth. Alarmingly, human activity has pushed six of these areas beyond safe thresholds. Among these endangered parameters is ocean acidification—especially in higher-latitude regions—which is fast approaching a "critical threshold.". 
 
Areas identified as high-risk also include climate change, the introduction of novel entities into environments, changes to biosphere integrity, and modification of biogeochemical flows. 
 
This looming crisis can be largely attributed to rising carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion like oil, coal, and gas. As CO2 concentrations increase in the atmosphere, more gets absorbed by seawater, resulting in increased acidity. 
 
"As CO2 emissions increase... more dissolves in sea water, making the oceans more acidic," said Boris Sakschewski from PIK, who co-authored the study. 
 
He warned that even if we were able to drastically cut back on emissions immediately, some degree of continued acidification may be unavoidable given our past actions and how long it takes for ocean systems to respond: "Breach of the ocean acidification boundary appears inevitable within the coming years." 
 
Co-author Levke Caesar echoed this sentiment, stating recent studies indicate current conditions might already pose problems for many marine organisms necessitating a re-evaluation of what can actually be considered safe levels. 
 
So why does increasing acidity pose such an existential risk? 
 
When oceans become overly acidic, it wreaks havoc with marine ecosystems, damaging coral reefs, shellfish populations, and phytoplankton—all vital elements within food chains that ultimately impact human food supplies too. 
 
Moreover, oceans play an indispensable role in regulating global climates, absorbing 25% of all carbon dioxide emissions and capturing 90% of the excess heat they generate, as per UN data. If ocean acidity levels rise, this crucial function is compromised. 
 
Caesar highlighted the intrinsic link between ocean acidification and biosphere integrity, underscoring that all nine planetary boundaries are "highly interconnected.". 
 
Interestingly, Earth's ozone layer seems to be one of few planetary boundaries not at immediate risk. Despite enduring significant damage from man-made chemicals in the past, a ban implemented in 1987 has allowed for recovery. 
 
This study serves as yet another stark reminder of how human activity continues to push our planet towards precarious tipping points, emphasizing our collective responsibility to act urgently and decisively if we hope to safeguard it for future generations.