World coral reefs in dramatic decline.
Like many of the ocean’s coral reefs, Latin America’s Chitales, which stretches from Cancun, Mexico to Honduras, is losing life at an alarming rate. Climate change, which warms the oceans and makes them more acidic, is one reason for the decline, while pollution from agricultural runoff and waste along with overfishing is said to be speeding it even more. The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network reports that across the Caribbean, in just the last three decades, living coral has diminished by 80%. Beside their remarkable beauty, coral reefs serve as buffers to coastal cities during hurricanes and are irreplaceable nurseries for fish.
Our appreciation, Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network and all who are working to save these uniquely precious marine treasures. May humanity further appreciate the interconnectedness of all life and act quickly to restore our planet.
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE48T01G20080930
Quick and drastic emission reductions needed across the globe.
A report from the United Kingdom’s Meteorological Office's Hadley Centre has stated that a 3% reduction each year from 2010 onward is the only way to keep global temperatures from rising above 2°C. More than 2°C puts the world at the brink of the worst effects of drought and rise in sea levels. Currently, emissions are rising by 1% annually. Because the CO2 absorbed into the ocean, soil and plants is very likely to decrease as the temperature continues to rise, climate change risks will multiply as time passes.
We send our sincere appreciation, British Meteorological Office's Hadley Centre and United Kingdom, for this clear outline of the consequences of a continued warming trend. May everyone be awakened to the need to act now for our planet’s brighter tomorrow.
http://parkes.yourguide.com.au/news/world/world/general/act-or-the-planet-is-at-peril-new-study/1323211.aspx# http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/hadleycentre/about.html http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/oct/01/climatechange.carbonemissions