Half the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by the burning of fossil fuels is actually winding up the oceans, says new research published in the journal Science. And that's threatening the health of the oceans and the diverse organisms living there, say researchers.
This research presents a new twist in the argument over global warming and the burning of fossil fuels. Traditionally, governments and industry have only argued over air quality, but now we're learning that oceans, too, are heavily impacted by the release of carbon dioxide.
Presently, oceans are serving as a kind of carbon dioxide buffer, allowing humanity to get away with emitting far more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere without triggering runaway global warming than would otherwise be possible. But there is genuine concern over whether the oceans can continue to absorb as much carbon dioxide as they did in the past. As ocean temperatures rise, less carbon dioxide can be absorbed, which means more stays in the atmosphere. It's a self-reinforcing cycle that could initiate an explosion in global warming if human beings keep on dumping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere at present rates.
The solution, of course, is to switch to a hydrogen economy where hydrogen and fuel cells, not fossil fuels, supply the fuel for automobiles, homes and cities. Solar power can also play an important role here, since solar is clean and renewable. Wind energy, tidal energy and hydroelectric power can all help nations reduce their emission of carbon dioxide. But only if nations are interested in preventing global warming in the first place. And right now, the U.S. doesn't seem interested in protecting the environment at all. In the U.S., it's all about profits and power, and paying for expensive systems that reduce carbon dioxide emissions isn't looked upon favorably by private industry.
About the author: Mike Adams is a consumer health advocate and award-winning journalist with a mission to teach personal and planetary health to the public He has authored more than 1,800 articles and dozens of reports, guides and interviews on natural health topics, reaching millions of readers with information that is saving lives and improving personal health around the world. Adams is a trusted, independent journalist who receives no money or promotional fees whatsoever to write about other companies' products. In 2010, Adams co-founded NaturalNews.TV, a natural health video sharing site that has now grown in popularity. He also launched an online retailer of environmentally-friendly products (BetterLifeGoods.com) and uses a portion of its profits to help fund non-profit endeavors. He's also a noted technology pioneer and founded a software company in 1993 that developed the HTML email newsletter software currently powering the NaturalNews subscriptions. Adams also serves as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a non-profit consumer protection group, and regularly pursues cycling, nature photography, Capoeira and Pilates. He's also author a large number of health books offered by Truth Publishing and is the creator of numerous reference website including NaturalPedia.com and the free downloadable Honest Food Guide. His websites also include the free reference sites HerbReference.com and HealingFoodReference.com. Adams believes in free speech, free access to nutritional supplements and the innate healing ability of the human body. Known as the 'Health Ranger,' Adams' personal health statistics and mission statements are located at www.HealthRanger.org
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Sunday, July 18, 2004
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