How could removing carbon dioxide from the air help slow ocean acidification?

Ocean acidification is primarily caused by the oceans absorbing large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere. When this CO₂ dissolves in seawater, it creates carbonic acid and releases hydrogen ions, which increases acidity and reduces the concentration of carbonate ions necessary for marine organisms to build shells and skeletons.1

Removing carbon dioxide from the air helps slow this process by reducing the amount of CO₂ available to dissolve into the surface layers of the ocean. By lowering atmospheric concentrations, the chemical pressure driving CO₂ into the water is diminished, which can help stabilize seawater pH levels.1

Strategies to achieve this include:

• Carbon capture and storage (CCS): Technologies such as scrubbing towers or "artificial trees" can remove CO₂ directly from the air for long-term storage in geologic formations.23
• Biological sequestration: Enhancing natural carbon sinks through reforestation or improved land management helps store carbon in biomass and soils.23
• Ocean fertilization: This involves adding nutrients like iron or nitrates to the ocean to stimulate phytoplankton blooms, which take up CO₂ through photosynthesis and may store it on the ocean floor.4