UK Government Funds Five-Year Ocean Acidification Survey In Atlantic, Arctic, Southern Oceans - BBC

[hatrack]

The UK government has launched an £11m ($16m) five-year research programme into ocean acidification. Researchers say seas are becoming more acidic as a result of CO2 from human activities being absorbed by seawater, which alters the oceans' chemistry.

Ministers say acidification of the oceans will be one of the major environmental concerns of this century. The study will focus on the Atlantic, Antarctic and Arctic oceans and assess how marine ecosystems are affected.

The programme, co-funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Natural Environment Research Council (Nerc), will also examine the implications for people and the economy.

"Ocean acidification will be one of the biggest environmental concerns of this century, with major and far-reaching impacts," said Nature and Marine Environment Minister Huw Irranca-Davies.

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8021459.stm

[phantom power]

1. I am going to predict the future:

This study will find out that acidification and the resulting damage is progressing faster than expected.

[hatrack]

2. "Faster Than Expected"? Did somebody say . .

"Faster Than Expected"?

(Pregnant pause . . . )

[eppur_se_muova]

3. Acidic oceans threaten sea life (BBC video)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/8022194.stm