Final answer:
Increased atmospheric CO2 levels directly result in ocean acidification as the CO2 dissolves in ocean water and forms carbonic acid, which decreases ocean pH and affects marine life. This increase in CO2 is primarily due to human activities such as the combustion of fossil fuels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Global climate change has led to altered global weather patterns and an increase in the global average temperature. The primary driver of these changes is the rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a significant greenhouse gas. Greenhouse gases, including CO2, trap heat in Earth's atmosphere, thus contributing to the greenhouse effect.
The rise in CO2 concentration is directly linked to human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, which has raised CO2 levels from about 280 ppm pre-industrialization to over 390 ppm in the 21st century. Alongside temperature rise, ocean acidification is a significant consequence of increased atmospheric CO2. The primary cause of ocean acidification is the dissolution of atmospheric CO2 into ocean water, which forms carbonic acid and lowers the pH of the ocean, making it more acidic. This change in ocean chemistry can have detrimental effects on marine ecosystems, particularly on calcifying organisms that rely on carbonate ions to form shells and skeletons.
The final answer to the question is: a) Ocean acidity.
In summary, the increased atmospheric CO2 concentration due to human activities is not only warming the planet but also altering the chemistry of the oceans by increasing their acidity. The issue of ocean acidification should be addressed alongside global warming for a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of climate change.