In 2022, oceanography students in Halifax, Nova Scotia's Dalhousie University are studying ocean acidification. When they add carbon dioxide to their aquaria, the acidity increases, and they observe explosive growth of marine plankton. Tony Atherton discovers removal of the extra planktonic biomass to the sediments will reverse global warming. He imagines a natural remedy for increasing carbon emissions. His enthusiasm withers when he realizes other aspects of climate change will destroy global ecological balances before his 'cure' kicks in.

Beth Manville, an actress with an interest in environmental issues, steals Tony's heart. She joins his fight to convince people to treat ocean acidification seriously. Her enthusiasm waxes as his wanes.

Then he discovers the importance of acidification and excessive plankton growth in other climate change endgames. It's playtime, and he's rejoined the battle.