“Most of the carbon dioxide that enters the atmosphere dissolves in the ocean. » As carbon dioxide increases in the ocean, "the pH of the ocean decreases and becomes more acidic." Ocean acidification prevents coral reefs from absorbing the calcium carbonate they need to maintain their “skeleton”. Without it, coral reefs will eventually dissolve. Ocean acidification doesn't just affect coral reefs. “Snails, clams and sea urchins make calcium carbonate shells and ocean acidification is negatively impacting these organisms.” Acidification makes it difficult for organisms to absorb the calcium carbonate they need to build their shells and protect themselves. By continuing to produce current carbon dioxide at the current rate, we can expect atmospheric carbon dioxide to be high enough to "lower ocean surface pH to 7.8." Future production depends on the number of people on the planet, the energy sources used, the amount we consume and the technologies we create. Being able to know how much production we will get is crucial, as we need to be able to reduce the levels of carbon dioxide released into the environment.