Reuters recently published an article which describes another dangerous byproduct of greenhouse gas emissions.  It has long been known that the heat trapped in the atmosphere by these gases is causing polar ice to melt.  The melting ice has myriad disastrous effects, which means smaller ones often get overlooked.  However, this article highlights the dangers to shellfish, which require certain minerals from the Arctic water to maintain their shells.  The melting ice, which does not contain these minerals, dilutes the water.  Aragonite and calcium carbonate are no longer being found in sufficient quantities to support populations of mussels, clams, and sea snails in the Artic.

While these small animals might not seem crucial on a global scale, they are vital for the maintenance of the delicate Artic ecosystem.  Shellfish are an important part of a relatively short food chain that also supports polar bears, arctic seals, and other endangered mammals.  If the ice continues to melt, it will push these animals further toward extinction.