November 2013: Ocean acidification may increase by a staggering 170 percent by 2100 says an international report led by the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme, and marine ecosystems and biodiversity are likely to irreversibly change as a result with far-reaching consequences. The legacy of historical fossil fuel emissions on ocean acidification will be felt for centuries.
One of the lead authors Ulf Riebesell of GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel said: "What we can now say with high levels of confidence about ocean acidification sends a clear message. Globally we have to be prepared for significant economic and ecosystem service losses. But we also know that reducing the rate of carbon dioxide emissions will slow acidification. It was emphasised by the experts that if society continues on the current high emissions trajectory, cold water coral reefs may become unsustainable and tropical coral reef erosion is likely to outpace reef building this century.
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