The answer: Very! Grist has a lengthy post explaining the dangers of ocean acidification off the Washington coast and the deadly effects on shellfish. Ocean acidification primarily occurs when carbon dioxide is absorbed by the ocean and turns into carbonic acid, absorbing about one-quarter of all of the carbon dioxide that has been released by humans into the atmosphere. To make matters worse,  in many coastal areas along the Washington coast, the impacts of ocean acidification can be magnified due to land-based pollution and runoff.

Check this excerpt from Grist: 

It is ironic that despite relatively progressive clean energy policies the West Coast is paying an unusually high price for global carbon emissions. Ocean water off the Pacific coast has absorbed so much carbon that it is becoming acidic enough to melt the shells of sea creatures. Our national and global addiction to fossil fuel and unwillingness to seriously reduce carbon emissions is taking its toll, right here, in real time, with profound implications for the Pacific Ocean.

The oceans act like a massive sponge soaking up airborne carbon. As carbon dissolves in the ocean it forms carbonic acid. Once acidity becomes high enough the shells literally dissolve.

Read the whole story HERE.

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