This is a 'positive feedback loop' that scientists have long feared. It is positive only

in that it works to increase the CO2 instead of scrubbing it out of the air as the

oceans have been doing for thousands of years.

Other positive feedbacks have also begun. The ice that is retreating at the poles no

longer reflects sunlight back into space, now it is absorbing more sunlight and melting

more ice. Also the tundra is melting and starting to decompose, releasing methane

which is over 20 times more potent of a greenhouse gas. But by far, the oceans are

the largest of them all.

Dr Le Quere said: "This is serious. All climate models predict that this kind of 'feedback'

will continue and intensify during this century."

Ten years ago the scientists were predicting that these things would happen, but

they thought it would be in the next century.

So, you know that hockey-stick they keep talking about? It looks like you can

forget that. What this could lead to is a near perfectly vertical rise in greenhouse

gases.

The measures required now will need to be very drastic and worldwide......and now.

For examples of the scope of what is needed, here is a link to a speech by George

Monbiot, a long time science journalist in the UK:

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/08/28/18444306.php



**********

1) Scientists Say Oceans Losing Ability To Trap

CO2 Meaning Global Warming Could Accelerate, 10/22/07

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7008907686

2) Ocean 'less effective at absorbing climate change gases', 5/18/07

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/technology/technology.html?in_article_id=455735&in_page_id=1965

For more mostly foreign reports of late:

Update of Recent Worldwide Climate Research Reports

http://seattle.indymedia.org/en/2007/10/262299.shtml