It became a big issue when the high CO2 emissions led to a double tragedy. First, trapped heat in the atmosphere leads to ocean warming, which in turn caused mass mortalities and coral bleaching events in the sea. The first global case on devastation of the coral reefs occurred in 1997/98 due to ocean warming because of the CO2 emission. Secondly, the soaring CO2 levels caused ocean acidification reducing the coral reefs growth rate, how they functioned and maintained their structures. Being among the most rich species in the world, they are among the most sensitive and affected with the current high emission of CO2. With current trends of high ocean acidification rate, we face a series of numerous consequences. Research shows the world has so far lost 19% of coral reefs so far and 15% more are under threat of extinction within the next 10-20 years. The high CO2 levels will kill the coral reefs and therefore our shores will be under threat for lack of protection from the frequent impacts of surges and storm waves. The coral reefs also provide good habitat for the invertebrates and reef fish will extinct if the CO2 levels continue rising gradually. Consequences will also affect the communities that depend on the coral reefs as a source of sustainable livelihood and tourism activities. Therefore, ocean acidification is a global issue and it is good to come up with measures that will reduce the consequences of the increasing levels of CO2 in the oceans (Granger, 40).
The issue of ocean acidification has raised concerns among many stakeholders in the world. The need to secure and protect the coral reefs from further acidification has led to formation of many organizations entrusted with their protection. Currently, the largest coral reef system in the world is the Great Barrier Reef located in the Coral Sea in Australia. They have taken the position of protecting it and conducting several acidity tests to check the intoxication levels.
