by Marie Kauna – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
A study based on published experiments of the world’s oceans has found that climate change is a contributing factor in cutting down the diversity and richness of marine species.
While the world’s ocean absorbs about a third of carbon dioxide emitted by the burning of fossil fuels, oceans have warmed by 1C, a 30 per cent increase over recent years.
In a report based on documented evidence on ocean acidity, the Pacific island ecosystem was predicted to be affected in the coming decade as the ocean acidity has increased.
Amongst factors contributing to this problem, emission of greenhouse gases, overfishing and localised pollution are said to be highly contributing to the result of this collapse.
According to the study, researchers have projected that by the end of this year, 38 per cent of the world’s reefs will have been affected, and a 5 per cent will have died.
Long-term outcomes will be a direct concerns for many populations around the globe especially those who rely upon the marine life for seafood for sustenance, medicine and income.
