Climate Change by HRH The Prince of Wales

Author:HRH The Prince of Wales
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780718185862
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Published: 2016-11-29T16:00:00+00:00

Acid oceans

As a further consequence of carbon dioxide pollution the oceans are rapidly becoming more acidic. Comparable rates of ocean acidification have not been seen for many millions of years, perhaps not since about 250 million years ago, when the biggest mass extinction of species took place.

About 30 per cent of the carbon dioxide we produce today is soaked up by the oceans. This reduces the amount accumulating in the atmosphere and limits the level of global warming, but it also increases the acidity of seawater.

Scientists are starting to understand how ocean acidification directly affects ecologically vital species, including oysters, clams, urchins, corals and various plankton, and may indirectly affect fish populations. A decline of these and other organisms could cause disruption to entire food webs. This would have devastating consequences for coastal communities dependent on fishing industries and bring knock-on effects for food supply.

Corals are severely affected by both warming seas – which cause bleaching – and ocean acidification. Combined with other factors such as storm damage, poor water quality and predation, this is leading to concerns for the future of natural wonders such as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

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