seemslikeadream
05-20-2009, 12:03 PM
http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2009/05/19/Study-predicts-worldwide-coral-catastrophe/UPI-39591242743642/
BRISBANE, Australia, May 19 (UPI) -- An Australian-led World Wild Life study predicts worldwide catastrophic losses of coral by the end of this century due to climate change.
The WWF-commissioned study, led by University of Queensland Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, determined coral reefs could disappear entirely from the Coral Triangle region of the Pacific Ocean, thereby threatening the food supply and livelihoods for about 100 million people.
Researchers said averting such a catastrophe will depend on quick and effective global action on climate change, as well as implementation of regional solutions to problems of over-fishing and pollution.
"This area is the planet's crown jewel of coral diversity and we are watching it disappear before our eyes," said Catherine Plume, director of the WWF's Coral Triangle Program. "But as this study shows, there are opportunities to prevent this tragedy while sustaining the livelihoods of millions who rely on its riches."
BRISBANE, Australia, May 19 (UPI) -- An Australian-led World Wild Life study predicts worldwide catastrophic losses of coral by the end of this century due to climate change.
The WWF-commissioned study, led by University of Queensland Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, determined coral reefs could disappear entirely from the Coral Triangle region of the Pacific Ocean, thereby threatening the food supply and livelihoods for about 100 million people.
Researchers said averting such a catastrophe will depend on quick and effective global action on climate change, as well as implementation of regional solutions to problems of over-fishing and pollution.
"This area is the planet's crown jewel of coral diversity and we are watching it disappear before our eyes," said Catherine Plume, director of the WWF's Coral Triangle Program. "But as this study shows, there are opportunities to prevent this tragedy while sustaining the livelihoods of millions who rely on its riches."