The Impact of Climate Change on Coral Reef

The Impact of Climate Change on Coral Reef

Due to climate change, many species are in jeopardy. The warmer and acidic ocean has put a threat to coral reefs. Scientists predict that almost all of the world’s corals will be threatened by 2050 if we do not improve in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

Coral reefs are very sensitive to rising sea temperatures. Temperature fluctuations can cause the corals to eject the symbiotic algae that live inside their tissues. Once the algae are gone, the corals lose their source of energy. The corals gradually bleach and turn into ghostly white color. If corals are severely bleached, chances of diseases and death increase. Even the fastest growing corals need 10 to 15 years to fully recover.

Another major concern regarding climate change is the increased levels of carbon dioxide in the oceans. This ocean acidification has significantly reduced the ability of corals building their calcium carbonate skeletons. In the high carbon dioxide ocean, not only is coral growth slower, it is less robust. The skeletons that are produced are weaker. Consequently, corals in more acidic conditions may not overcome the typical amount of destruction and may start to sthrink.

Coral reefs are essential to our oceans for many reasons. They form a barrier to protect us from storms and surge water. They absorb wave energy and contribute to environmental protection through the reduction of coastal erosion. Of course, coral reefs are habitats for many plants and animals. They make up the backbone of the ocean’s most diverse ecosystem. A large proportion of people in the developing countries actually rely on fish and molluscs taken directly from the reef waters. Finally, beautiful corals bring in tourism. Local areas benefit from billions of dollars from visitors coming for snorkeling. 

It is important for us to preserve the corals. The only sure way to preserve our reefs is to reduce global warming. I hope everyone can pay attention to the conservation of coral reefs as I love snorkeling. I went to Hanauma Bay in Honululu few months ago. I saw the corals were dying; they looked pale. Perhaps the corals were bleaching because too many people were touching them. Perhaps they were dying because the water was too warm. No matter what the reason is, it is sad to see the sick corals.

Reference:

  1. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2017/06/coral-reef-bleaching-global-warming-unesco-sites/#close
  2. https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/expeditions/the-effects-of-climate-change-on-coral-reef-health/
  3. https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2019-coral-reefs-at-risk/
  4. https://www.un.org/en/chronicle/article/impacts-climate-change-coral-reefs-and-marine-environment
  5. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/04/climate/coral-reefs-bleaching.html

Rayland Ho

This Post Has 12 Comments

  1. Gclub

    Thanks for another informative website. The place else could I am getting that type of information written in such
    a perfect means? I have a challenge that I’m simply
    now running on, and I have been at the glance out for
    such info.

  2. Gclub

    When I initially commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now
    on each time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the same comment.
    Is there a way you can remove me from that service? Cheers!

  3. This is decently detailed and practical, thankyou. I value the way you cover points without waffling on. It’s great info and I deem you worth sharing.

  4. I ‘m sure that you might be trying to play it safe with this post, but please know that the unpopular thoughts sometimes encourage awesome dialogue when approached respectfully..and it IS your blog not a democracy- allow your content rule here!

  5. face masks

    This is actually compelling. Is it ok to counter with one or two questions?

  6. Jettie Tesch

    *There is noticeably a bundle to know about this. I assume you made certain nice points in features also.

  7. Karl Sugalski

    The health and dietary market in the U.S. alone translates into more than $70 billion in yearly income –yet increasingly more Americans suffer the pain of prolonged weight gain, inferior health and lousy diet. Learn more

  8. face masks

    I’d add additional ideas that negate this. Can I?

  9. Ina Strader

    Hi There!

    We are reaching out to those from the math education space who would be excited to participate in our FREE Virtual Summit coming up on November 13th and 14th, 2021.

    Not only will you love hearing 25+ influencers from the math education space presenting live over Zoom, but I’m sure your audience and colleagues will stand to benefit as well!

    Register to save your seat here: https://zeep.ly/GwPnv

    Will we see you there?

    Kyle & Jon
    admin@makemathmoments.com
    https://zeep.ly/GwPnv

    PS – Consider sharing this amazing free event with others in the education space!

  10. Minerva Stansfield

    Hi There!

    We are reaching out to those from the math education space who would be excited to participate in our FREE Virtual Summit coming up on November 13th and 14th, 2021.

    Not only will you love hearing 25+ influencers from the math education space presenting live over Zoom, but I’m sure your audience and colleagues will stand to benefit as well!

    Register to save your seat here: https://zeep.ly/GwPnv

    Will we see you there?

    Kyle & Jon
    admin@makemathmoments.com
    https://zeep.ly/GwPnv

    PS – Consider sharing this amazing free event with others in the education space!

Leave a Reply