No more coral reefs?

Ocean acidification was one topic which was discussed in our book. One website discusses ocean acidification and its impact on marine life. It is suggested that if CO2 emissions continue at their current rate, then most, if not all, existing coral reefs will be gone by the year 2050. This occurs because the decreased pH in the ocean prevents organisms, such as clams and coral reefs, from calcifying. This will not just mean a disappearance of coral reefs, but possible extinction of all marine organisms which inhabit the coral reefs. Furthermore tourist industries and people who survive off of the fish living in coral reefs will need to find a new source of income. In order to prevent their complete extinction CO2 emissions need to decrease.