5.1. Global Climate Change and Biodiversity http://www.ck12.org
that some creatures will do fine, while others won’t be able to adapt in time. Either way, food webs may feel the
effects. Clearly, understanding the potential consequences is important.
Another major concern has to do with marine animals with certain kinds of shells. Corals, clams, and others all use
carbonate in the water to build their shells out of calcium carbonate. But ocean acidification reduces the amount
of carbonate in the water, making it more difficult for them to make shells. That could be devastating for coral
reefs, who are already facing a number of stresses. See http://www.kqed.org/quest/radio/acidic-seas for additional
information.
MEDIA
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URL: http://www.ck12.org/flx/render/embeddedobject/416What Can Be Done?
Efforts to reduce future global warming mainly involve energy use. We need to use less energy, for example, by
driving more fuel-efficient cars. We also need to switch to energy sources that produce less carbon dioxide, such as
solar and wind energy. At the same time, we can increase the amount of carbon dioxide that is removed from air.
We can stop destroying forests and can plant new ones.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gRJLAA4tDY
MEDIA
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URL: http://www.ck12.org/flx/render/embeddedobject/417