Acid oceans 'need urgent action'
[image: Coral. Image: Riccardo Rodolfo-Metalpa]
The oceans are thought to have absorbed about half of the extra CO2 put
into the atmosphere in the industrial age
This has lowered its pH by 0.1
pH is the measure of acidity and alkalinity
The vast majority of liquids lie between pH 0 (very acidic) and pH 14 (very
alkaline); 7 is neutral
Seawater is mildly alkaline with a "natural" pH of about 8.2
The IPCC forecasts that ocean pH will fall by "between 0.14 and 0.35 units
over the 21st Century, adding to the present decrease of 0.1 units since
pre-industrial times"
Natural lab shows sea's acid
path<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7437862.stm>
*The world's marine ecosystems risk being severely damaged by ocean
acidification unless there are dramatic cuts in CO2 emissions, warn
scientists.*
More than 150 top marine researchers have voiced their concerns through the
"Monaco Declaration", which warns that changes in acidity are accelerating.
The declaration, supported by Prince Albert II of Monaco, builds on findings
from an earlier international summit.
It says pH levels are changing 100 times faster than natural variability.
Based on the research priorities identified at The Ocean in a High CO2 World
symposium, held in October 2008, the declaration states:
"We scientists who met in Monaco to review what is known about ocean
acidification declare that we are deeply concerned by recent, rapid changes
in ocean chemistry and their potential, within decades, to severely affect
marine organisms, food webs, biodiversity and fisheries."
*'The other CO2 problem'*
It calls on policymakers to stabilise CO2 emissions "at a safe level to
avoid not only dangerous climate change but also dangerous ocean
acidification". [image: Bleached coral (Image: AP)]
Recipe for rescuing our
reefs<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7709103.stm>
The researchers warn that ocean acidification, which they refer to as "the
other CO2 problem", could make most regions of the ocean inhospitable to
coral reefs by 2050, if atmospheric CO2 levels continue to increase.
The also say that it could lead to substantial changes in commercial fish
stocks, threatening food security for millions of people.
"The chemistry is so fundamental and changes so rapid and severe that
impacts on organisms appear unavoidable," said Dr James Orr, chairman of the
symposium.
"The questions are now how bad will it be and how soon will it happen."
Another signatory, Patricio Bernal, executive secretary of the UN
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, outlined how the marine research
community intended to respond to the challenge.
"We need to bring together the best scientists to share their latest
research results and to set priorities for research to improve our knowledge
of the processes and of the impacts of acidification on marine ecosystems."
Prince Albert II used the declaration to voice his concerns, adding that he
hoped the world's leaders would take the "necessary action" at a key UN
climate summit later this year.
"I strongly support this declaration. I hope that it will be heard by all
the political leaders meeting in Copenhagen in December 2009."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7860350.stm
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