The primary influence of ocean acidification on marine life is the adverse effect it has on the ability of organisms to form calcium carbonate structures, such as shells and skeletons. Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere lead to higher concentrations of carbonic acid in seawater, lowering the pH. This process threatens vital marine species, including corals, mollusks, and some plankton, as their ability to build and maintain shells diminishes. As foundational species decline, entire marine food webs, fisheries, and ecosystems are at risk, which underscores the need for urgent action to mitigate climate change.