| November 9, 2010 |  |
New Research: Global Warming is Burning Up Forests and Coral Reefs
WASHINGTON (November 9, 2010) -- In the wake of last Tuesday’s election results, climate change skepticism likely will get more attention on Capitol Hill in the next legislative session. Regardless, the science remains unequivocal: Global warming is real, and it is poses a serious threat to public health, the environment, the economy and national security.
As part of a continuing effort, the Union of Concerned Scientists today held a press briefing that presented new scientific findings that show just how risky global warming really is.
The briefing featured two scientists, one focused on land, the other on the sea, whose findings show that global warming is literally burning up our environment.
Olga Pechony, a research scientist at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, concludes that if we do not dramatically reduce carbon emissions, subsequent warming is likely to lead to an unprecedented number of forest fires around the world.
Her study, which she co-authored with NASA colleague Drew Shindell, uses a new way of tracking wildfires to produce the first long-term history of global burning. It appeared in last month’s issue of the “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.”
Pechony and Shindell found that in the past, precipitation levels largely determined the extent of fires. From now on, however, rising temperatures likely will be the key factor. Her study is the most comprehensive look yet on how global wildfire patterns are changing due to global warming.
Pechony says that in future decades, the wildfires are expected to become more prevalent in many parts of the world. “It’s likely that we will not only have to reduce emissions, but also improve strategies to prevent and suppress fires,” she said.
Global warming is also pushing ocean temperatures to record highs. This year, warming likely will lead to extensive coral reef damage. Higher ocean temperatures literally heat living coral to death. At these temperatures, the algae that inhabit the reef and provide food for the coral begin producing toxins, triggering a process that harms or kills the coral. Reefs are more than just beautiful undersea forests. They are essential to ocean health given they provide a home for a quarter of all sea life.
Mark Eakin, the coordinator of Coral Reef Watch at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), said this year will likely be one of the worst for coral reefs around the world.
He compared 2010 with other major coral die-offs, and warned that reef damage may pose a serious threat to marine diversity and ecosystems. The federal government is now considering a petition to list more than 80 coral species as threatened or endangered species.
Eakin said that even if 2010 does not turn out to be the worst year ever for reefs, it will be a very bad year. “It’s like comparing the effects of atomic bomb blasts,” he said. “They’re all destructive. Reefs are being seriously harmed by global warming.”
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
