“Jess Zimmerman” - The oceans may be going extinct

June 20, 2011
Gary Null

http://www.grist.org/list/2011-06-20-the-oceans-may-be-going-extinct

by Jess Zimmerman

20 Jun 2011 3:16 PM

Ocean ecosystems are taking a faster nosedive than anyone predicted. Without urgent action, coral reefs and entire fish species could disappear in a generation. Why is this happening? Do you really need to ask? Hint: It rhymes with shmarbon shmioxide.

CO2 in the atmosphere increases the temperature of ocean water, throwing off the pH and making the oxygen-hogging algae population explode. Result: OCEAN DOOM. Our options for approaching the problem are pretty much:

1. Massive changes to our stewardship of the planet, including reducing carbon emissions, halting overfishing, closing unsustainable fisheries, and nipping pollution in the bud, OR
2. A terrible revenge enacted by a wrathful Neptune, God of the Sea.

 

Article originally appeared on The Gary Null Blog (http://www.garynullblog.com/).