Explanation:

? Ocean acidification is the lowering of ocean pH due to uptake of carbon dioxide by the ocean from the atmosphere. The ocean absorbs approximately 26% of the CO2 added to the atmosphere from human activities each year, greatly reducing the impact of this greenhouse gas on the climate. When CO2 dissolves in seawater, carbonic acid is formed. It is this chemical reaction that leads to ocean acidification. Ocean acidification has the potential to drastically change the oceans and following are its likely consequences:

o Ocean acidification decreases concentration of carbonate ions which are essential for the calcification process that allows certain marine organism to build their calcium carbonate shells and skeletons. Thus, it could lead to a fall in the population of calcifying organisms.

o The ocean’s capacity to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere is being degraded by ocean acidification, which could worsen its impact on climate change. o Ocean acidification may render most regions of the ocean inhospitable to coral reefs, affecting tourism, food security, shoreline protection, and biodiversity. Marine ecosystems such as coral reefs protect shorelines from the destructive action of storm surges and cyclones, sheltering the only habitable land for several island nations. This protective function of reefs prevents loss of life, property damage, and erosion.

o Increase the risk of inundation and erosion in low-lying areas by weakening natural shoreline protection.