Title: "Climate Change and Ocean Acidification: Impacts on Marine
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services"
Abstract: Climate change and ocean acidification are two of the most significant
environmental challenges facing the world today, with profound implications for marine
biodiversity and ecosystem services. This article explores the interconnected effects of rising
atmospheric CO2 levels on ocean chemistry, marine life, and the services that oceans provide
to human societies. It reviews the current scientific understanding of ocean acidification, its
impact on key marine species such as corals, mollusks, and fish, and the broader implications
for marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. The paper also discusses
strategies for mitigating the impacts of ocean acidification, including reducing CO2
emissions, protecting vulnerable ecosystems, and enhancing adaptive capacity. The article
concludes with a call for urgent action to address these challenges, emphasizing the need for
global cooperation and a multidisciplinary approach.
Introduction: The oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface and play a crucial role
in regulating the global climate, supporting biodiversity, and providing essential services to
human societies. However, the increasing concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the
atmosphere, driven by human activities, is leading to climate change and ocean acidification,
with potentially devastating consequences for marine ecosystems. This article explores the
impacts of these changes on marine biodiversity and the services that oceans provide,
highlighting the urgent need for action to mitigate these effects.
Ocean Acidification: Causes and Mechanisms: The article begins by explaining the science
of ocean acidification, a process that occurs when CO2 dissolves in seawater, forming
carbonic acid and lowering the pH of the ocean. This section discusses the chemical reactions
involved, the historical context of ocean acidification, and the current trends in ocean pH
levels. The paper also examines the relationship between ocean acidification and other
aspects of climate change, such as rising sea temperatures and changing ocean circulation
patterns.
Impacts on Marine Biodiversity: Ocean acidification has profound effects on marine
biodiversity, particularly on calcifying organisms that rely on calcium carbonate to build their
shells and skeletons. This section reviews the scientific evidence on the impacts of
acidification
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