CONTROL OF ATMOSPHERIC CARBON-DIOXIDE

A major part of human-induced climate change can be controlled by balancing the sources and sinks of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Natural sinks are decreasing because coral reefs, as well as rain forests, are being destroyed at an increasing rate. To balance CO2 flows it will be necessary to restore and protect both these tropical ecosystems and/or to make drastic cuts in fossil-fuel use. If this is not done, the rural poor will have little choice but to destroy remaining forests and coral reefs. Stabilization of CO2 is technically feasible and cheaper than adapting to climate change. It is also extremely urgent because many coral reef ecosystems may already be near their upper temperature limits.