Oceans turn acidic faster than any time in 300m years

The world’s oceans are turning acidic at what could be the fastest pace of any time in the past 300m years, even more rapidly than during a monster emission of planet-warming carbon 56m years ago, scientists said.

Looking back at this bygone warm period in Earth’s history could offer help in forecasting the impact of human-spurred climate change, researchers said.

Quickly acidifying seawater eats away at coral reefs, which provide habitat for other animals and plants, and makes it harder for mussels and oysters to form protective shells. It can also interfere with small organisms that feed commercial fish like salmon.