4 February 2009 - 15:53Ocean’s 911

If half of the extra CO2 we emit is absorbed by the atmosphere, where does the other half go?

Our oceans.

Dubbed “the other CO2 problem” ocean acidification damages ecosystems and creates inhospitable environments for underwater life. And it’s not pretty…

An international panel of 150 marine scientists declared their grave concern at an oceans and CO2 symposium held last October. They say coral reefs may not survive in forty years and acidification may damage commercial fish stocks, which would threaten food security for millions of people.

The responsibility falls to us, the creators of all the excessive C02 emissions that our planet cannot support, to take action. We need to modify our wasteful behaviors on a massive scale so we don’t continue to cause irreparable damage to our environment – above and below sea level.

Take Action
Do you part for the oceans and choose sustainable seafood. Print out and carry Canada’s Seafood Guide with you and learn how to pick ‘em from the start.

Write the PM and the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
The David Suzuki Foundation just made it easy for you to send a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the new Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Gail Shea. Fill out the form and tell them you want your federal government to invest in the protection and management of Canada’s Pacific North Coast.

Explore an Ocean
Are you familiar with Google Earth? I only discovered it today when my colleague and I were talking oceans. Google recently released Google Earth 5.0, a free downloadable software program that allows you to see real geographic images of the world, down to the street level, and now allows you to explore oceans.

Discover an ocean today, and add ocean acidification to your list of environmental concerns and reasons for conservation action.