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Effects of climate change

Acidification - acid seas

Much of the CO₂ released into the atmosphere by natural processes is absorbed by the sea. However, as humans have added ever more CO₂ to the air, some of it is also absorbed by the oceans, combining with water to create carbonic acid. This is the same thing that makes fizzy drinks taste sharp. In the sea though, excess acid is very destructive and is dissolving coral reefs in many parts of the world and preventing sea animals from creating shells by removing calcium from the water.

Watch these videos from the BBC on ocean acidification
Find out why it happens.

Rising sea levels

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A CO₂ sensor, part of a coral reef early warning sensor run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (USA).