World's Oceans Becoming More Acidic - BBC

[hatrack]

By Richard Black
BBC science correspondent

"THe researchers from California say the change is taking place in response to higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The lowering of the waters' pH value is not great at the moment but could pose a serious threat to current marine life if it continues, they warn.

EDIT

Increasing use of fossil fuels means more carbon dioxide is going into the air, and most of it will eventually be absorbed by seawater. Once in the water, it reacts to form carbonic acid.

EDIT

It is not absolutely clear what that means for marine life, however. Most organisms live near the surface, where the greatest pH changes would be expected to occur, but deep-ocean lifeforms may be more sensitive to pH changes.

EDIT

In recent years some people have suggested deliberately storing carbon dioxide from power stations in the deep ocean as a way of curbing global warming. But (ed. - Lawrence Livermore Laboratory scientist) Dr. (Ken) Caldeira said that such a strategy should now be re-considered."

EDIT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3136266.stm

[lostnfound]

1. hold some hands while the walls come tumbling down

This news is so sad, like the polar icecap breaking and like being on the edge of the new nuclear age.

A Joe Arthur lyric "right, now, the sun is trying to kill the moon... right, now, all your dreams are waking up' has meaning for me at times like these.

We must fight these people who want to take over the world, and we must fight to win; but let's appreciate each other, and appreciate the great privilege of working together towards common dreams, and of using our talents to bring about a world that is more just and more compassionate than the one we are living in today.

Though we may feel to be part of a minority or else perhaps a mostly-silent majority, we are squarely in the mainstream of the world.

I am also reminded of an old Tears for Fears song which I hope brings comfort, specifically 'holding hands while the walls come tumbling down...'

Welcome to your life.
There's no turning back.
Even while we sleep,
We will find you
Acting on your best behavior
Turn your back on Mother Nature
Everybody Wants to Rule the World.

It's my own design;
It's my own reward.
Help me to decide
Help me make the most of freedom
And of pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever.
Everybody Wants to Rule the World.

There's a room where the light won't find you,
Holding hands while The Walls come tumbling down.
When they do, I'll be right behind you.
So glad, we've almost made it;
So sad, they had to take it.
Everybody Wants to Rule the World.

I can't stand this indecision
Married with a lack of vision
Everybody wants to rule the world

Say that you'll never, never, never, never need it.
One headline, why believe it?
Everybody wants to rule the world.

I'm for freedom and for pleasure,
nothing ever lasts forever,
Everybody wants to rule the world


Have hope, my new DU friends.

Or as I say to my two year old, "sometimes life is hard, but that's WHY you are strong, that's WHY you are brave."