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Experts: Global Warming Threatens Oceans and World Food Security

by VOA News

   Global warming is shaking up life in the world's oceans, spreading
   disease, destroying coral reefs and threatening to wipe out global food
   security, according to a new report.

   Eighty scientists from 12 countries released their findings Monday at
   the International Union for Conservation of Nature meeting in Honolulu.

   "We all know that the oceans sustain this planet. We all know the
   oceans provide every second breath we take. And yet we are making the
   oceans sick," IUCN director Inger Anderssen said.

   The experts say oceans have absorbed more than 90 percent of all the
   extra heat caused by global warming over the last 40 years, causing a
   drastic change in the rhythm of the seas.

   Some ocean mammals and birds are being forced to feed far from their
   traditional food sources and nesting sites, while other sea life is
   being driven away from warmer waters toward the cooler seas around the
   poles.

   Warmer oceans also cause more disease in sea plants and animals, posing
   a clear threat to human health.

   The experts say there is no way out except to cut man-made greenhouse
   gas emissions that are causing the Earth to get unnaturally warmer.