Increased carbon dioxide levels in ocean waters lead to ocean acidification. This process occurs when CO2 dissolves in seawater, forming carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the water. Ocean acidification negatively affects marine life, particularly organisms that build shells or skeletons, such as corals, mollusks, and some plankton, by impairing their ability to grow and maintain calcium carbonate structures. This disruption can alter marine ecosystems and food webs, impacting biodiversity and the livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing and tourism.