Rising CO2 Levels Might Razzle-Dazzle the Fish

According to a recent study, it would seem that the build-up of carbon dioxide might do more than contributing to global warming. Rising CO2 levels might razzle-dazzle the fish, impeding their ability to find their way home or to elude predators.

• One-third of CO2 emissions are absorbed by oceans;
• By the end of 2050, the waters will have an increased acidity;
• Fish may develop a disorder called hypercapnia;
• Nations want to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius;
• High CO2 levels may disrupt the fish’s neural activity.

A recent study about global warming has recently resurfaced. This time, the study takes into account the various effects global warming can have on the biota. The study was performed by a team of scientists from the University New South Wales.

According to the scientists in charge of this project, the levels of CO2 from burning oil, coal and gas have reached critical levels in the last decades. As a consequence of this build-up, the oceans might become more acidic. This might happen because the oceans are capable of absorbing almost one-third of carbon dioxide emissions.

The scientists working on this project have predicted that the build-up of CO2 in the waters of the world might an adverse effect on the fish. They have estimated that fish subjected to increased levels of CO2 might be at risk of developing a condition called hypercapnia. And this event is much closer than we think. Scientists have estimated that by 2050 the CO2 would have reason so high that all fish banks will lose the ability to find their way home or to identify predators.

Rising CO2 levels might razzle-dazzle the fish and it would seem that this is the direct consequence of burning too much gas, coal and oil. According to the appraisal of the situation, when fishes are exposed to a high level of carbon dioxide, they develop a condition known as hypercapnia or carbon dioxide intoxication.

High CO2 levels can disrupt the fish’s neural activity, resulting in the fish becoming disoriented. Fish suffering from this condition have a hard time find its way home and lose the ability to identify and take action against predators.

The team of scientists said that if mankind continues to do nothing about this event, that this scenario might actually become real. Recently, at the global warming parley hosted in Paris, all the nations of the world agreed that they should cut down on their emission rates, thus impeding the global temperature from rising more than two degrees.

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