Ocean acidification is a growing concern for many nations around the world. However, our capacity to monitor changes in carbonate chemistry with sufficient spatial and temporal resolution, has until now, been limited, which has impeded effective action and decision-making at international, national, and regional levels. Recent advancements in machine learning have enabled the integration of Earth observation data with in situ measurements, enhancing data coverage and improving our ability to monitor ocean acidification globally. Here, we highlight how space agencies, particularly the European Space Agency, have supported the development of such products and explore their utility for a broad spectrum of end users, ranging from scientists to resource managers to policy makers and the general public. Spatial and temporal resolution of these products is now on the order of 0.25 × 0.25° and 8-daily, respectively; with similar or slightly enhanced accuracy compared to other methods (e.g., fCO2 in open and coastal ocean are 13 and 25 μatm, respectively). We provide five use cases that demonstrate how the data can be used to: (a) communicate ocean acidification; (b) aid marine planning activities; (c) set up national monitoring and understand baseline conditions; (d) assess impacts of aquaculture; and (e) assess impacts to coral habitats. While these developments represent significant progress, further efforts will enhance the efficacy of observational-data in coastal waters, and could develop complementary biological or water quality indicators. These activities will be accelerated by further building global capacity to ensure equitable access and application of these tools.
Plain Language Summary
Ocean acidification, a change in ocean chemistry caused by the long-term increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, is a growing global concern. However, it is hard to track these changes accurately across the entire ocean, making it difficult for governments and communities to understand the threat and respond effectively. New advances in machine learning now make it possible to combine satellite data with ocean measurements which have improved our ability to monitor ocean acidification. Here, we highlight how projects funded by the European Space Agency have helped to develop tools that make this information accessible and useful for multiple groups, including scientists, resource managers, policy makers, and the general public. We present five examples for using the data: raising awareness about ocean acidification, supporting marine planning, creating national monitoring systems, understanding the effects on aquaculture like shellfish farming, and evaluating risks to coral reefs. This progress has been long needed, and efforts are beginning to focus on further improving our abilities to observe coastal areas, where conditions can change quickly. Future efforts can now focus on exploring new ways to track changes, and making sure people around the world have the tools and training needed to use these new resources effectively.
Findlay H. S., Gaultier L., Gregor L., Gruber N., Land P., Ford D., Sabia R., Taise-Uili A., Widdicombe S., Newton J., Lowder K. & Shutler J., 2026. Entering the era of directly supporting society with observation-based ocean acidification data. Perspectives of Earth and Space Scientists 7: e2025CN000290. doi: 10.1029/2025CN000290. Article.
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