Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 15: The Earth’s oceans have silently crossed a critical threshold, entering a perilous zone of acidification that poses a grave threat to marine life and coastal communities. This stark revelation comes from a new study published on June 9 in the journal Global Change Biology, where scientists confirm that ocean acidification levels may have breached planetary safety limits as early as 2020.

The study highlights how the unchecked release of carbon dioxide from industrial activities—particularly the burning of fossil fuels—has led to increased absorption of CO2 by the oceans. Once absorbed, the gas dissolves in seawater and forms carbonic acid, which reduces the pH level of the oceans and diminishes the availability of essential carbonate ions. These ions are critical for marine organisms such as corals and shellfish to build their skeletons and shells.

The consequences of this shift are not limited to the deep sea. The degradation of marine ecosystems is now directly threatening coastal economies and food security for millions who depend on the ocean for their livelihood. With declining health of coral reefs and shell-forming species, biodiversity is under siege, and the broader marine food chain faces unprecedented instability.

Researchers had earlier warned that Earth’s oceans were nearing a tipping point. However, the latest findings indicate that the acidification has advanced far beyond previous estimates. The level of aragonite, a key form of calcium carbonate, has dropped significantly—more than 19% from pre-industrial levels—suggesting the oceans have already surpassed the safe boundary set for maintaining ecological balance.

Experts fear that if immediate and concerted action is not taken to curb carbon emissions, the cascading effects of this crisis will escalate. The message is clear: humanity must act urgently to restore ocean health before the damage becomes irreversible.

As the world stands at this critical juncture, scientists call on global leaders to prioritize climate action and marine conservation—warning that the future of the planet's oceans, and the people who rely on them, hangs in the balance.