NOAA Coral Reef Watch and coral scientists from around the globe have reported that corals could begin to disappear in 50 to 75 years due to steadily warming temperatures and increasing ocean acidification caused by carbon dioxide emissions. Their findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Science and report that increasing concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide are warming and acidifying the oceans. The findings project that coral reef ecosystems will begin to disappear within the next 50 to 75 years.
On the eve of the International Year of the Reef 2008, the scientists from seven countries are warning that most coral reefs will not survive the rapid increases in global temperatures and atmospheric CO 2 that are forecast over this century by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change unless drastic action is taken to curb CO 2 emissions. Even emission curbs will not be enough without concerted management of other threats to these ecosystems.
For additional information, please contact Ben Sherman, (301) 713-3066.
CO2 - Coral | NOAA
