Wednesday's Nova series explored our deteriorating oceans. Researchers investigating the deteriorating coral reefs discovered that the cause is increasing CO2 levels. Oceans absorb 25% of CO2 released into the environment. Sciencists have known that for a long time and believed that the ocean filtering the CO2 to be a good thing. But now they have discovered tht the rising CO2 levels cause an increase in the acidity of ocean waters. The rise in CO2 levels are destroying the coral reef that are home to 25% of ocean life. The acidity of ocean waters is rising at a rate of 5% per decade as the amount of CO2 in our atmosphere just surpassed levels not experienced in 2 million years. Shell fish reproduction is being particularly hard hit, as the calcium based shells cannot withstand the increasing acidity in the waters.
Probably all just natural occurring events. Nothing to worry about. Enjoy your oysters in the half shell while you can.
Probably all just natural occurring events. Nothing to worry about. Enjoy your oysters in the half shell while you can.
