We are very happy that this Perspective article has finally been published, together with our colleague and Director of the SECOS Millennium Institute, Dr. Stefan Gelcich. Ocean acidification is a global-scale problem addressed by global-scale driver, atmospheric CO2 emissions, part of which is absorbed by the ocean, with the consequent change in its chemistry, including the decrease in pH and calcium carbonate. This Perspective aims to highlight the importance of recognizing that decadal-scale pH changes in the coastal zone are driven by more factors than just global-scale ocean acidification. Local-scale processes, such as eutrophication, surge intensification, changes in hydrological cycles, and changes in land use, also play important roles, many of which occur on similar timescales to the increase in atmospheric CO2 emissions (e.g. the industrial revolution). While the application of an indicator such as 14.3 is a great contribution to the international scientific community, we require clarification on its use and where it should be considered (e.g., the open ocean is an ideal location to monitor this target addressing global ocean acidification). Furthermore, attributing ocean acidification as the sole cause of the observed changes in this indicator 14.3 may prevent us from looking at local-scale opportunities to design innovative location-based actions or partnerships. This can help provide synergies for joint implementation of programs and policies that address a combination of ODS and specific targets related to coastal ocean pH, or “coastal acidification.”
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