Environment Uncategorized

Mass Extinction in the Oceans

I'm predicting that nothing much will be done to mitigate a potential mass extinction in the world's oceans. That is, not until after it's too late. And even then, the Republican solution will probably be more drilling, more deregulation and, as always, tax cuts.

The scientific panel concluded that degeneration in the oceans is happening much faster than has been predicted, and that the combination of factors currently distressing the marine environment is contributing to the precise conditions that have been associated with all major extinctions in the Earth's history.

According to the report, three major factors have been present in the handful of mass extinctions that have occurred in the past: an increase of both hypoxia (low oxygen) and anoxia (lack of oxygen that creates "dead zones") in the oceans, warming and acidification. The panel warns that the combination of these factors will inevitably cause a mass marine extinction if swift action isn't taken to improve conditions.

Let's say for argument's sake this study is only half right. Half of a mass extinction would be very, very bad.