Acidic oceans pose danger to marine animals

Oceans are becoming more acidic as they absorb anthropogenic carbon dioxide and could become dangerous for marine organisms much sooner than we think. Results from an analysis of the Southern Ocean by climate change scientists in Australia suggest that the ocean acidification “tipping point of no return” could occur at just 450 ppm of atmospheric carbon dioxide. This is significantly lower than the value of 550 ppm given by previous estimates.

About one third of the 30 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere via fossil fuel burning is absorbed in the world’s oceans, says Ben McNeil of the University of New South Wales. Continually increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations are therefore fundamentally altering ocean chemistry by lowering pH.

Climate Change Could Ruin Florida’s $5.5 Billion Reef Economy

A new analysis of economic activity generated by Florida’s coral reefs finds that some 70,000 jobs and more than $5.5 billion in business in the state could disappear if climate change destroys the reefs.

“A business-as-usual approach to climate change could mean a lot less business for Florida,” said Jerry Karnas, Florida project director at Environmental Defense Fund, which commissioned the report, “Corals and Climate Change: Florida’s Natural Treasures at Risk.”

Florida encompasses the only shallow water coral reefs in the continental United States. Like coral reefs worldwide, Florida’s reefs are besieged by environmental problems.