Oceans absorb less CO2 than thought

Acidification of the worlds ocean is one of the scariest effects of climate change for the average surfer.

As we pump more and more CO2 into the atmosphere, we place a greater demand on the worlds ‘carbon sinks’ to absorb it.

Although forests and grasslands are carbon sinks, by far the greatest carbon sink on earth are the worlds oceans.

New evidence gathered in the Southern Ocean indicates that our oceans are already reaching their CO2 capacity, and their ability to absorb future carbon dioxide emissions is reduced.

The possible consequences of ocean acidification are incredibly scary. In short, scientists fear that oceanic organisms would no longer be able to produce calcium carbonate - the stuff that makes cell coverings, shells or skeletons - effectively leading to the total collapse of marine life.