The Courier-Mail
By: Graham Readfearn
Scientists have warned that carbon dioxide being pumped into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels was turning the oceans more acidic, with catastrophic and irreversible consequences for marine life.
National science academies from 69 countries, including Australia, released a statement yesterday warning that the Great Barrier Reef was likely to suffer rapid decline unless urgent action was taken. All coral reefs and polar ecosystems would be "severely affected'' by 2050 or earlier unless the world agreed to ``large and rapid'' reductions of carbon dioxide, it said.
James Cook University Professor Terry Hughes, a co-author of the Interacademy Statement on Ocean Acidification, said: "We already have clear evidence that the growth rate of corals is slowing because of ocean acidification.
"Australia, as a wealthy country, should take the lead among coral reef nations in reducing emissions. We only have a narrow window of opportunity to prevent further severe damage to coral reefs before it's too late.''
Oceans absorb about a quarter of all the carbon dioxide being emitted by human activity, the statement said, and the process was changing the chemistry of the oceans. This in turn affected the ability of marine organisms such as corals and shellfish to build their hard skeletons and shells.
"Ocean acidification is irreversible during our lifetimes and those of many generations to come,'' the statement said.
Read Graham Readfearn's environment blog at couriermail.com.au/blogs