The amount of carbon dioxide released by cars and factories is causing rapid and dangerous changes in ocean water acidity, scientists have warned.
Research conducted by experts at Bristol University has claimed that "unprecedented" pressure is being put on marine life.
Furthermore, it is likely that the conditions created over the next ten years will not have been seen on earth since the time of the dinosaurs.
The research said: "We find the future rate of surface ocean acidification and environmental pressure on marine calcifiers very likely unprecedented in the past 65 million years."
These marine calcifiers, such as shellfish, need alkaline to form their chalky exteriors and the food chain could be devastated if they are affected by the acidity.
According to the Herald and Weekly Times, the world-famous Moomba Waterfest held in Melbourne may have to be cancelled this year over fears about contamination levels in the Yarra River where it is held.
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