18.1.7. Winners and losers

♤ The growth and level of photosynthesis of certain marine phytoplankton and plant species may increase with higher CO2 levels, but this is by no means a general rule.

♤ For others, higher CO2 and rising acidity may have either negative or neutral effects on their physiology.

♤ Therefore, particular marine plants will be ’winners’, while others will be ‘losers’ and some may show no signs of change but change is inevitable.

A reduction in atmospheric CO2 levels is essential to halt ocean acidification before it is too late.