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 natural health author and award-winning journalist with a strong interest in personal health, the environment and the power of nature to help us all heal He has authored more than 1,800 articles and dozens of reports, guides and interviews on natural health topics, and he has created several downloadable courses on survival and preparedness, including his widely-downloaded course on personal safety and self-defense. Adams is an honest, independent journalist and accepts no money or commissions on the third-party products he writes about or the companies he promotes. In 2010, Adams launched TV.NaturalNews.com, a natural health video site featuring videos on holistic health and green living. 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 pioneer in the email marketing software industry, having been the first to launch an HTML email newsletter technology that has grown to become a standard in the industry. Adams volunteers his time to serve as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and regularly pursues cycling, nature photography, Capoeira and Pilates. He's also author of numerous health books published by Truth Publishing and is the creator of several consumer-oriented grassroots campaigns, including the Spam. Don't Buy It! campaign, and the free downloadable Honest Food Guide. He also created the free reference sites HerbReference.com and HealingFoodReference.com. Adams believes in free speech, free access to nutritional supplements and the ending of corporate control over medicines, genes and seeds. 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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