The results from a new study shows that the already fragile and endangered coral reefs of the world could be at even greater risk from the increasing levels of carbon dioxide. The rising sea temperatures that have resulted from global warming, of which carbon dioxide emissions is one of the leading causes, has already been hitting the coral reefs hard which are susceptible to bleaching and less able to adapt to climate change than other species. However, the rise in acidification of the ocean's water which is a direct result of higher levels of carbon dioxide emissions from industries and the use of fossil fuels such as oil and coal, is increasing this impact.
Bleaching in coral occurs when coral is subjected to any variety of stress factors, including rising temperatures or higher acidity levels of the surrounding waters. This bleaching, which is visible by the coral's loss of coloring, is generally fatal to coral since once the 
process has begun, it does not stop or reverse itself even if the stressing factors which caused it are removed. When bleaching occurs in coral it effects the entire ecosystem that depended upon the coral for shelter and food. Even in cases where the reef can survive, it takes an extended period of time for it to begin recuperation and to return to a level of normal biodiversity.
This recent study, which was conducted by a team of Australian scientists including Dr. Ken Anthony from the ARC Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and the University of Queensland, revealed that a large number of reefs and associated marine life may be lost in the near future if carbon dioxide emissions are not eliminated and work is not done to reverse some of the climate damage caused by the global warming which has resulted from the high levels of CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases.
This study increases the concern over the fate of coral reefs since predictions before hand had taken into account only the effects of the rising sea temperatures. That data, combined with the new findings on the acidity levels in the ocean due to CO2 emissions are painting an even more urgent picture for us to act quickly to save the reefs and the multitude of marine life that rely on them.