Coastal areas to dramatically become more acidic than previously thought

17-Nov-2025

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Coastal oceans could become dramatically more acidic than previously believed, posing deep risks to marine life and the coastal economies that depend on it, according to new research from the University of St Andrews.

The findings add to a growing scientific alarm that climate impacts are accelerating faster than many earlier models had projected. Ocean acidity is closely linked to atmospheric carbon dioxide.

The study warns that stronger-than-expected acidification could strain these ecosystems, adding pressure to communities already grappling with climate-driven warming and marine heatwaves.