Question

Many ocean creatures make their shells out of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). This process is more difficult when the ocean pH is lower. Why would greenhouse gas emissions harm these creatures?

Answer 1

Answer: CO2 acts as an acid when absorbed by the ocean.

Explanation:

Answer 2

Ocean acidification is sometimes called “climate change’s equally evil twin,” and for good reason: it's a significant and harmful consequence of excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that we don't see or feel because its effects are happening underwater. At least one-quarter of the carbon dioxide (CO2) released by burning coal, oil and gas doesn't stay in the air, but instead dissolves into the ocean. Since the beginning of the industrial era, the ocean has absorbed some 525 billion tons of CO2 from the atmosphere, presently around 22 million tons per day.

This is a scientific fact...