Burning fossil fuels significantly impacts water through multiple pathways, most notably by contributing to ocean acidification.
Ocean Acidification
The primary way burning fossil fuels affects water is through ocean acidification. This process occurs as follows:
- Increased CO2 Emissions: Burning fossil fuels releases large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.
- Absorption by Oceans: The oceans absorb a significant portion of this excess CO2.
- Chemical Reaction: Once absorbed, CO2 reacts with seawater, leading to a decrease in the ocean's pH. This is what we call ocean acidification.
- Impact on Marine Life: According to the provided reference, the acidification of seawater affects marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, shellfish, and other organisms that rely on calcium carbonate structures. These organisms need calcium carbonate to build their shells and skeletons. Acidification makes it harder for them to do so.
In summary, burning fossil fuels causes the oceans to become more acidic, threatening marine life and ecosystems.
