The tale of a clownfish that got lost at sea in the 2003 movie -“Finding Nemo” might just come true to the delight or sadness, it depends how you look at it, for our young marine fans - as rising carbon dioxide levels and climate change could basically leave the fish unable to find their way around according to recent studies.
Now, the world’s oceans soak up vast quantities of carbon dioxide released by burning fossil fuels. By absorbing the gas, oceans become more acidic. Global ocean PH has already dropped around 0.1 points since pre-industrial times. Just take a moment and think about the condition oceans around the world would be during 2050 or whether marine life would even exist in 2100 if things continue the way it is. Yeah let it sink in. Take your time!
In addition to this, increased storm intensity, coral bleaching and ocean acidity, all associated with climate change affect the coral habitat of the clownfish. These unique species of fish navigate their way around coral reefs by detecting chemical signals in the water. However, the increase in ocean acidity makes it harder for the fish to locate anemones- their protection against predators and also messes with their senses making it harder for them to go about their daily lives.
So in short we have caused the entire problem. You may wriggle out of this situation by crafting a logical answer supporting the fact that you had nothing to do with the acid, pollution or warming causing this heart-breaking catrousphe. But the facts will eventually catch up to you. Every time you catch a cab instead of walking and when you decide to waste paper just because you’re bored you are contributing to this international problem known as “Global Warming”. Catching a cab leads to pollution which leads to emissions causing environmental problems and wastage of paper leads to deforestation which in turn causes more carbon dioxide to remain in the air.
We are not only making life unbearably hard for clownfish but for other species as well. We have to sign up and take a pledge to not just find Nemo but to save him.
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