Synthesis on 350 and CO2

“The Coral Reef Crisis: The Critical Importance of <350ppm CO₂” is an article that focuses on the environmental importance of keeping levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) less than 350 parts per million (ppm). While the article primarily focuses on the coral reefs, it shows the effects that rising CO₂ levels can have on the earth. The article suggests there is a correlation between rising CO₂ and global warming. Climate change has currently caused approximately 19% of the world’s coral reefs to be lost, and it is estimated that another 35% are in danger (Veron, Hoegh-Guldberg, and et al 1428-1429).

Global warming is not the only factor that is destroying the coral reefs, but it the primary one. It is causing huge mass bleaching events across the seas (Veron, Hoegh-Guldberg, and et al 1429). This was first seen in the late 1970s and was linked to high temperatures in the oceans (Veron, Hoegh-Guldberg, and et al 1429). When the bleaching was first recorded in 1978/79, the CO₂ level was at approximately 336ppm (Veron, Hoegh-Guldberg, and et al 1429). Since that time, there have been seven major world-wide bleaching events, the worst being the 1982/83 event that caused two-thirds of all inshore reefs and 14% of offshore reefs of the Great Barrier Reef to have moderate to high levels of bleaching (Veron, Hoegh-Guldberg, and et al 1429).

It can be concluded that, while there are many other factors to coral reef degradation, a rise in CO₂ is the most harmful. CO₂ levels must decrease to 350ppm or less in order to stop mass bleaching occurrences around the globe. Ideally, the levels should decrease below 320ppm due to the fact that the first bleaching recorded was estimated to occur at approximately 320ppm (Veron, Hoegh-Guldberg, and et al 1429). If CO₂ levels continue to rise, not only will the world see a loss in coral reefs and other sea related environments, but all the environments around the world will see damage. 350ppm is an important number for the earth, and only society can get the world there.

                                                                                                                              

Veron, J.E.N, O. Hoegh-Guldberg, et al. "The Coral Reef Crisis: The Critical Importance of <350 ppm CO₂." Marine Pollution Bulletin. 58. (2009): 1428-1436. Web. 1 Oct. 2012. <www.elsevier.com/locate/marpolbul>.