This educational video by The Economist explores a lesser-known but deeply concerning consequence of climate change: ocean acidification. While global warming often dominates the headlines, this video highlights how excess carbon dioxide (CO₂) is also transforming the chemistry of the oceans in ways that threaten marine ecosystems and the global economy.

The video begins by explaining that the ocean absorbs about one third of the CO₂ released by human activity. While this helps reduce the rate of atmospheric warming, it causes a hidden problem. When CO₂ dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid, which lowers the ocean’s pH level. Since the start of the industrial age, oceans have become roughly 30 percent more acidic.

This change is happening faster than at any time in Earth’s recent history. The video shows how ocean acidification harms marine life by weakening the shells and skeletons of corals, oysters, and tiny plankton called pteropods. These organisms play a crucial role in the ocean food web, and their decline could trigger a chain reaction that affects fish, seabirds, and humans who depend on seafood.

The economic impact is significant. Coastal communities that rely on fishing and shellfish farming are already seeing changes in catch size and species health. Industries in areas like the Pacific Northwest and Southeast Asia are especially vulnerable.

The video makes it clear that ocean acidification is more than an environmental problem. It is a food security issue, a business risk, and a growing concern for scientists around the world.

The solution, according to the video, is to reduce CO₂ emissions on a global scale. Without action, the oceans will continue to acidify, silently undermining the ecosystems that support life both below and above the surface.

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