Dissolving various chemicals in water drastically changes the equilibrium concentration of hydronium and hydroxide ions (hydrolysis). As a result of human transformational activities the atmosphere of our planet has for a century been receiving a huge quantity of gases whose hydrolysis increases the concentration of hydronium ion, in other words it acidifies the planet's bodies of water. First, the phenomenon of acid rain was identified as a result of an increasing concentration of sulfur and nitrogen dioxides in the atmosphere, leading to acid rain and snow. With decisive actions to decrease the emissions of those gases, the problem of acid rain was successfully brought under control, at least in Europe and North America. Later, an even more dangerous development was observed: acidification of ocean water from the dissolving of an ever-increasing quantity of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The consequences of this acidification are disastrous for a number of sea creatures, and there is still a lack of adequate serious action by the international community to find a solution for this pressing problem.