Red alert: The oceans are reaching dangerous acid levels!

Red alert: The oceans are reaching dangerous acid levels!

The future of our oceans hangs in the balance: since 2020 we have exceeded the seventh “planetary limit” of ocean acidification, and the situation is alarming. These limits are clear auxiliary scales that define where we can go without endangering the fundamental systems of our planet. Issues such as species extinction and climate change are particularly critical, but ocean acidification now threatens to become a widespread threat to marine ecosystems, such as the pieuvre reported.

The alarm bells are not just ringing for air pollution or the loss of biodiversity. Already six of the nine planetary boundaries have been exceeded and the level of CO2 emissions has reached a critical point. According to a study published June 9, 2025 in Global Change Biology, ocean acidification has reached dangerous levels, causing dramatic impacts on marine life, particularly marine animals with external skeletons or shells.

The consequences of ocean acidification

Let us remember: the sea plays an essential role in the carbon cycle, as it normally absorbs around 30 percent of the CO2 emitted by humans. But our hectic lifestyles have overtaxed natural absorption capabilities, leading to worrying increases in water acidity levels. This problem is made even more complicated by the classification of the ocean as a “sink” – it can no longer fulfill its role and therefore no longer act as a buffer against climate change.

Acidification not only weakens the shells of molluscs and corals, but also affects the entire marine food chain. A healthy ocean is critical to our own survival. This is clearly shown by current research, which underlines that without quick countermeasures there is a risk of further irreversible damage. The IAEA is working with cutting-edge methods, including radiotracer-based techniques, to better understand the biological effects of acidification and find solutions.

Global collaboration required

To address this threat, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) launched the International Coordination Center for Ocean Acidification (OA-ICC) to pool international research and make important data accessible. This collaboration aims to make evidence-based decisions necessary to combat ocean acidification. This includes courses held worldwide and the provision of data portals to promote the exchange of information and methods.

The awareness that this planetary limit has long been exceeded is one of the key results of the first annual “Planetary Health Check”, held by Johan Rockström from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). In addition to the worrying ocean acidification, other critical conditions are also on the list: loss of biodiversity, chemical pollution and climate change are just some of the challenges that have already been recognized as having been overcome for our earth in the past. Data shows that even an immediate reduction in emissions is not enough to immediately stop the acidification that has already occurred, as explained in the Novethic source becomes.

The wave of sustainability begins in our everyday lives - and every decision counts. It's time to work together to ensure the health of our oceans before it's too late. There's no time to waste!