coral

Poor coral.

With global warming-generated ocean acidification already hindering the essential production of the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) skeletons in coral species, scientists now suspect another threat to corals and reef ecosystems caused by climate change.

Continued carbon emissions are increasing the acidity of the oceans; in fact, approximately a third of anthropogenic carbon emissions are absorbed by the oceans each year. Scientists worry that not enough research has been done on the possible effects that ocean acidification will have on marine wildlife, ecosystems and food webs.