How does rising atmospheric CO2 affect marine organisms?

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In January of 1997, the Information Unit for Conventions of the United Nations Environment Program published a Climate Change Information Kit.  Much of the information contained in the kit is factual.  A good deal of it is speculative, however; and some of the speculation is incompatible with current scientific knowledge.

The document consists of 30 major information sheets.  Half of them treat subjects that fall within the realm of science; while half of them deal with policy.  As we restrict ourselves to matters of science only, we will not comment further on the policy items, other than to note that if some of the scientific matters described in the Information Kit are incorrect, it is only logical to assume that some of the policy recommendations may not be well-founded.

The science sections of the Information Kit are grouped under two major headings: (1) understanding the climate system, consisting of information sheets 2-8, and (2) facing the consequences, consisting of information sheets 9-16. Our assessments of each of these information sheets may be accessed via the links below.

Sheet 2: The greenhouse effect

Sheet 3: Greenhouse gases and aerosols

Sheet 4: How will greenhouse gas levels change in the future?

Sheet 5: How will the climate change?

Sheet 6: Has climate change already begun?

Sheet 7: The evidence from climate models

Sheet 8: The evidence from past climates

Sheet 9: Adapting to the impacts of climate change

Sheet 10: Agriculture and food security

Sheet 11: Sea levels, oceans, and coastal areas

Sheet 12: Biological diversity and ecosystems

Sheet 13: Water resources

Sheet 14: Human health

Sheet 15: Infrastructure, industry, and human settlements

Sheet 16: Climatic disasters and extreme events