Is regulation on ocean acidification on the horizon?

Noreen Parks Environ. Sci. Technol., Article ASAP DOI: 10.1021/es901664n Publication Date (Web): June 24, 2009 Copyright © 2009 American Chemical Society With mounting evidence that ocean waters worldwide are turning more acidic, scientists have issued ever more urgent pleas for policy makers to recognize that this phenomenon is a direct and real consequence of rising levels of atmospheric CO2. Researchers warn that as ocean pH falls, the capacities of calcifying marine organisms to build shells and skeletons will be severely reduced, in all likelihood causing widespread impacts on marine ecosystems. In June 2009, a statement endorsed by 70 national science academies emphasized that the issue must be on the agenda at the upcoming global climate talks in Copenhagen. “To avoid substantial damage to ocean ecosystems, deep and rapid reductions of global CO2 emissions by at least 50% by 2050, and much more thereafter, are needed,” the statement warned.