Coral reefs in danger of dying out in next 20 years - Telegraph
The world's coral reefs are in danger of dying in the next 20 years unless the world drastically cuts carbon emissions, a coalition of scientists led by Sir David Attenborough has warned.2008: Jennifer Marohasy » Ocean Acidification: Photographs from Bob Halstead and a Note from Floor Anthoni
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According to Alex Rogers, the scientific director of the International Programme on the State of the Oceans, the figure will reach 450 ppm in the next 20 years if the world continues to burn fossil fuels at the current rate. Once that figure is reached, the ocean will become too acidic for corals to survive.
"The kitchen is on fire and it's spreading round the house. If we act quickly and decisively we may be able to put it out before the damage becomes irreversible. That is where corals are now," he said.
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"Essentially coral reefs are on death row and Copenhagen is one of the last opportunities for a reprieve," he said. "Because if we carry on business as usual collapse is inevitable whereas if we decide to do something about it we can make a difference to the current trajectory."
The shallows near Dobu Island off Papua and New Guinea have active underwater fumaroles pumping out virtually pure CO2. The sea grass is extraordinarily lush and healthy and there is very healthy coral reef a few metres away.
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