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Reduce CO2 Emissions and Stop Ocean Acidification

Our continual carbon dioxide emissions are killing our oceans by causing ocean acidification, which is expected to lead to a mass extinction of corals by the middle to end of this century. The best and only truly effective way of combating ocean acidification and climate change is to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions. The United States is one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide and is in a position to be the global leader on emissions reductions and the development and implementation of alternative energy technologies.

Congress can protect the oceans from the threats of ocean acidification and climate change, but they need to hear your voice. So, take action now and tell your Senators to vote to stop ocean acidification and climate change.

November 21, 2009

Subject:

Dear Senator,

I am writing to urge you to protect our oceans and coasts from the devastating impacts of ocean acidification and climate change by passing a meaningful climate bill that does not expand offshore drilling into previously protected areas.

Our continued burning of fossil fuels is threatening our oceans and all who depend on them. Due to our carbon dioxide emissions, the oceans are becoming more acidic, a problem that will likely cause a mass extinction of corals and drastically change the oceans as we know them if action to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions is not taken immediately. Not only are the oceans becoming more acidic, sea levels also rising - threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions along the coasts; warming waters are changing weather patterns and may increase the intensity of storms and harm wildlife delicately adapted to specific ocean temperatures.

To prevent the catastrophic and irreversible effects of ocean acidification and climate change we must reduce our carbon dioxide emissions by 25-40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80-95 percent by 2050. This means moving away from fossil fuels, like oil and coal, and instead developing clean energy alternatives. Expanded drilling will have the exact opposite effect.

The threat to our oceans, coasts and wildlife is too great to allow more delay. We need to shift to a new energy economy of clean, renewable energy.  By reducing the burning of fossil fuels, we may be able to turn the tide of ocean acidification and prevent the massive extinction of corals and the fish and marine wildlife that depend on them. Our oceans support fishing and tourism economies and should contribute to a new energy economy as well. A clean energy future represents jobs that we can't afford to leave behind.

The United States must protect its oceans and coasts from the impacts of ocean acidification. Any climate legislation that moves through the Senate must consider ocean acidification.  Our oceans depend upon it.

The time to act is now.

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Oceana | Protecting the World's Oceans

Take Action

Reduce CO2 Emissions and Stop Ocean Acidification