How to act on ocean acidification: an important new report

A new publication entitled Acting on ocean acidification: improving prospects by planning ahead has been launched at the Our Ocean Conference in Valparaiso, Chile.

The document calls for a forecasting system and a global monitoring network. It also emphasises the importance of scientific research into ocean acidification, as well as comprehensive outreach strategies to let people know that this is happening and it’s happening NOW!

There are executive summaries in English, French and Spanish, as well as the full report (in English), available at the website of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Observations show there will be winners as well as losers as CO2 levels ramp up, just as there were in previous mass extinctions. The effects of ocean acidification, such as favouring jellyfish and harmful algae over corals that protect shorelines, should be factored into the risks of rising CO2 emissions.