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Windworks
Letters
you to know what this means, how it affects all of us, and
what we can do about it.
Today, the atmospheric concentration of C02 is about
387 parts per million (ppm) and increasing at 2 ppm per
year. If left unaddressed, by 2040 it is projected to be over
450 ppm, and marine scientists believe the collapse of many
ocean ecosystems will be irreversible. Acidification has
other physiological effects on marine life as well, including
changes in reproduction, growth rates, and even respiration
in fish.
Tropical and coldwater corals are among the oldest and
largest living structures on earth; the richest in terms of
biodiversity, they provide spawning areas, nursery habitat
and feeding grounds for a quarter of all species in the sea.
Coral reefs are at risk! As C02 concentrations increase, corals,
shellfish and other species that make shells will not be able
to build their skeletons and will likely become extinct.
The good news is we can fix this problem. But, as you
guessed, it will be difficult. Ocean Acidification is caused by
increased C02 in the atmosphere. Solving one will solve the
other. The House of Representatives has acted, passing HR
2454, the Waxman-Markey “American Clean Energy and
Security Act”, but it was severely weakened. Now the Senate
has announced that it will move similar legislation this fall.
We need the Senate to join the House in its leadership, but
to demand far greater emissions reductions than were able
to pass the House.
“The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
concluded that in order to stabilize C02 in the atmosphere
at 350 ppm by 2050, global carbon emissions need to be cut
★ ★
85% below 2000 levels.”That’s a very tall order! And the way
our political system works (or doesn’t) makes its tougher. It
YACHT RIGGERS
will take all of us to step up and take responsibility to make
Est 1978
this happen.
Here is what you can do: Contact your Senator now using
Come meet Brion & Gordon!
one of these techniques listed in order of effectiveness.
1. Visit your Senator at their local office. It is easy to make
at The Port Townsend
an appointment. Tell them your concerns about C02 and the
oceans, and to move strong climate legislation immediately
Wooden Boat Festival
that will reduce our greenhouse gas concentrations to
levels that will not threaten our oceans. The experience
is rewarding. (Alternatively, drop a letter off at their local
…see our Rigging Shop,
office.)
a splicing demo, and climb in
2. Call your Senator and leave a message urging action
be taken to reduce C02 , address Ocean Acidification, and
our New Cruiser’s Harness.
move strong climate legislation immediately that will
And, of course talk Rigging! reduce our greenhouse gas concentrations to levels that will
not threaten our oceans.
OPEN 9am - 4pm,
3. Click on this link to send an email, which will
Fri & Sat, Sept. 11 & 12
go directly to your Senator based on your address.
(Closed on Sunday - September 13)
http://www.oceana.org/acid
You may use the letter provided, but it is more effective
We’re the Red Awning
to edit it, and in your own words urge them to move
Sail Loft Bldg
strong climate legislation immediately that will reduce our
www.briontoss.com
greenhouse gas concentrations to levels that will not threaten
our oceans.
48° No r t h , Au g u s t 2009 PA g e 12
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