CO2 emissions 'are seriously harming ocean water quality'

Rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are having a detrimental and irreversible effect on the planet's oceans, it has been revealed.

According to new research released by the Convention on Biological Diversity, the world's oceans are absorbing increasing amounts of CO2, leading to acidification of the water.

The study found that approximately 25 per cent of the CO2 released into the atmosphere through human activity is absorbed by the seas and oceans.

However, absorption rates have increased as CO2 levels have risen, leading to a change in the acidity of the oceans.

Scientists are now predicting that ocean acidity could increase by 150 per cent over the next 40 years - endangering biological systems that will not have time to adapt to the sudden changes.

Mr Ahmed Djoghlaf, executive secretary of the convention, said: "Substantial damage to ocean ecosystems can only be avoided by urgent and rapid reductions in global emissions of CO2."

The Danish capital is hosting the UN Climate Change Conference, which runs until December 18th.

British prime minister Gordon Brown is reportedly intending to arrive at the summit two days early, because he is concerned that negotiations are not progressing quickly enough.

Posted by Joseph Hutton