We have been discussing the mounting evidence of catastrophic impacts from climate change. A new report is particularly . . . well . . . chilling. Scientists believe that the world has now lost half of its coral reefs in the last 30 years and could lose 90 percent 2050. It is not just the loss of one of the most unique and beautiful areas of Earth but the impact could be enormous on our food and our environment. Indeed, these reports show how these losses produce a cascading crisis across ecosystems. The report comes at a time when the Trump Administration is moving to reduce our commitment to climate change programs and agreements — putting the United States on a collision course with much of the world.
I had the opportunity to scuba dive and snorkel in reefs around Guam, Saipan, and Palau last month. The thought of the lost of these already shrinking areas is heartbreaking. In addition, coral reefs support a quarter of all marine species and half a billion people around the world. The loss of the reefs will also impact the oxygen that we believe. They are called the underwater rainforests due to their contributions to oxygen production. They are also habitats for one in four marine systems.
In addition to the loss of billions in revenue, essential ecosystems, reefs are also (like rainforests) a constant source for new cures and medicines. We are destroying the two most important habitats for the environment as an unprecedented rate.
I realize that I am known as an environmentalist and outdoor addict, but logic would seem to dictate priority action on this global crisis. It is not just about some clown fish in Palau. It is not simply stupid it is suicidal. If these trends continue (and even if the 2050 date is off by a decade or so), it does not take a rocket scientist to see that this will not end well for us.