Scientists at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) have concluded that the acidity of the world's oceans could become too high to support marine life and stabilize the climate, the Phys.org portal reports, citing the Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency.
Ocean acidification levels are increasing due to ever-increasing carbon dioxide emissions, according to a report from a scientific institution.
Acidic water harms corals, shellfish and phytoplankton, which provide food for many marine species.
This undermines the food supply for billions of people who depend on marine bioresources, researchers say.
PIK experts identify ocean acidity as one of nine factors critical to the planet's ability to support life.
Other parameters include the content of carbon dioxide in the air, the state of fresh water, soils, the biosphere, the ozone layer, biochemical cycles and atmospheric aerosols.
Scientists noted that the least concerning issue today is the ozone layer, which has been gradually recovering since the late 1980s.
