Recap

Extinction of Amphibians & Coral Reefs

During the first hour, investigative reporter Linda Moulton Howe discussed the ongoing decline of amphibians as well as the extinction of coral reefs.

Nearly half of the world's 6,000 amphibian species could be extinct by the end of this century, Linda explained, noting increased global temperatures, fungal diseases, and pesticides as some reasons for their decline. She spoke with amphibian expert, Andrew Blaustein, Ph.D., who said the major cause of the extinctions is habitat destruction and habitat alterations. There have been at least 125 to 170 species extinctions of amphibians since 1980, he noted. Read Linda's full report here.

Linda talked about the almost-certain extinction of coral reefs by 2050. According to Linda, carbon emissions from human activities are drastically altering ocean chemistry. Carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere is absorbed by the oceans, she explained, producing an acid that dissolves the coral reefs. Linda spoke with chemical oceanographer Ken Caldeira, Ph.D., who said, "I think we can expect that coral reefs will not be found on this planet some time later this century if current greenhouse gas emissions continue." Read Linda's full report here.

In the second hour, Linda provided an update on the recent UFO sightings in Texas. Eyewitnesses there have claimed to see lights as bright as a welder’s torch, and pilots estimated the unidentified lights were moving at least 3,000 miles per hour, she said. Linda spoke with a Ricky Sorrells, a welder from Dublin, Texas, who described his encounter with a giant UFO, a mile long by a half mile wide. View Sorrells' drawings of the craft and read Linda's full report here.

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