Ocean Acidification, illustration

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Ocean acidification. Most of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of burning fossil fuel will eventually be absorbed by the ocean. There it becomes carbonic acid which can attack the calcium carbonate shells and skeletons of marine organisms. Some researchers have predicted that all of the earth's coral reefs may be dissolving within several decades. Already portions of Australia's Great Barrier Reef are growing 40% more slowly than a few decades ago. Labeled.

Carol and Mike Werner/Science Source