On the recordJune 9, 2010
Most of us know how the build-up of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere is causing global temperatures to rise. Less well known is how the build-up of atmospheric carbon dioxide is changing the chemistry of the oceans. Because the oceans absorb atmospheric CO2. In a way, this is beneficial: reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide slows down the global warming effect. But as the oceans absorb CO2, the oceans themselves become increasingly acidic. And the increasingly acid ocean waters can actually eat away the carbon shells of corals and a myriad of other sea life. The people I represent live on islands surrounded by coral reefs. Coral reefs protect us from storms and provide habitat for fish and shelled animals that are a traditional source of food. The existence of coral reefs attract hundreds of thousands of tourists to the Northern Mariana Islands each year. Economists have valued our coral reefs at up to $70 million annually. Yet each year the oceans grow more acidic that economic value is being eroded. I thank Mr. Inslee for focusing on this issue. I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 989 and national and international policies to prevent ocean acidification.
