Coral reefs “will disintegrate in 30 years"

The world’s coral reefs could start to disintegrate within 30 years as the seas carry on becoming more acidic, according to scientists. According to The Independent, reporting from a climate change conference in Exeter, UK, while the sea is successful in soaking up CO2 emissions and delaying global warning, the world’s seas are becoming more acidic as a result. Studies by Israeli scientists of corals in the Red Sea show that within 30 to 70 years, many coral species will be unable to grow shells. Professor Jonathan Erez is quoted as saying: “This ecosystem, which is the most productive and diverse in the ocean, is going to disappear as an ecosystem. The individual components may survive here and there but, as an ecosystem, our grandchildren will not see coral reefs any more.” Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd