How does ocean acidification, driven by increased CO2 levels, impact marine ecosystems, and what are the broader implications for global carbon cycling and climate regulation?

Ocean acidification, caused by increased CO2 absorption, lowers the pH of seawater, affecting marine organisms, particularly those with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, such as corals and shellfish. This disruption can lead to reduced biodiversity, altered food webs, and compromised marine ecosystems. The broader implications for global carbon cycling include reduced capacity of the oceans to sequester CO2, potentially accelerating atmospheric CO2 levels and climate change. Additionally, weakened marine ecosystems can impact global climate regulation through feedbacks involving biogeochemical cycles and oceanic carbon storage.