Coral reefs face an immediate threat from their ecosystem, the vast ocean itself! Reason: Thanks to increased greenhouse gases in atmosphere, oceans are becoming warmer and acidic. These acidic oceans may actually eat away beautiful corals, upsetting the whole marine ecosystem. Ocean acidification occurs when water surface absorbs higher levels of carbon dioxide which combines with sea water to form carbonic acid. Increased acidic concentration can erode shells, starfishes, clams and corals. According to scientists, in last two centuries oceans have absorbed one-third of all human generated carbon dioxide which comes to some 525 billion tons of greenhouse gas!
Beautiful corals are an economic and environmental boon to millions of people. According to recent Honululu declaration by scientists which will be placed at UN, coral reefs provide immediate protection from waves and storms and are also sources of food, pharmaceuticals, jobs and revenue. Declaration urges to stabilize green house emissions and nurture coral reefs.
Cutting down greenhouse gas emissions is the only way to save marine and as well terrestrial ecosystems. Global warming due to human activity must be reduced drastically before our oceans and environment turn too toxic and start killing the very life which they have nurtured and sustained on earth for millions of years.
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source:ENN