Coral Reefs Face Extinction Due To Climate Change
by TAMMY ROSECRANS, Causecast Editor
It’s a number that you may have heard in any recent discussion about global warming – 350. That number, 350 parts per million, is what scientists claim to be the safest upper limit of CO2 in our atmosphere. Where are we at now? We have surpassed that level and are now between 385 ppm and 387 ppm. Worse than that, politicians are currently proposing a limit of 450 ppm to be further discussed in Copenhagen.
So what does this all mean for us? Well, let’s discuss the coral reefs. Scientists are now saying that if we don’t adhere to the 350 ppm CO2 limit, coral reefs will become extinct, and only within a few decades. In fact, 350 ppm may not even cut it. Temperature induced coral bleaching began at levels around 320 ppm.
Even if you aren’t an avid scuba diver, this information is still relevant to your life. The coral reefs’ impact reach far beyond tourist season. They are an integral part of the ocean’s ecosystem and provide food for more than 500 million people.
Recently, scientists have begun freezing various specimens of coral in hopes of preserving them – for generations who will not know what a coral reef is.
In order to save our coral reefs, we need to put pressure on our leaders to put aside political agendas and come together to combat climate change before it’s too late.
Sign the Seal the Deal petition to urge world leaders to make a strong commitment in Copenhagen. You can also get involved by volunteering to promote the campaign.
- Posted by Causecast
Related causes: Environment
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I work for a company called earth-touch and we have just produced a video to be premiered at the COP15 climate change conference in Copenhagen. It's a joint venture between us, the Zoological Society Of London, Globe international and EDGE.
Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse habitats of the oceans and face extinction due to climate change by 2050 ... We are hoping that the politicians and heads of state who attend the UNEP 2009 climate change conference in Copenhagen will make positive amendments to global environmental policy and help save coral reefs and ultimately protect the amazing planet we live on.
http://www.vimeo.com/7962248