Global Warming: The Effects on Coral Reefs

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Global Warming: The Effect on Coral Reefs

Global warming is becoming an increasingly problematic issue for countries all over the world. Among many issues being faced, scientists are seeing increased and more dramatic changes in weather patterns and rising water temperatures that are affecting coral reefs. Earth’s coral reef population is rapidly depleting due to climate change, killing millions of marine animals, potentially placing the world’s coasts in extreme danger, and affecting the livelihoods of both wildlife and humans world-wide.

Coral reefs are some of the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on earth and support more species per unit area than any other marine environment (United States Department of Commerce). Coral reefs are shelter for fish, crabs, and oysters, just to name a few, and shield smaller marine life from larger predators. Marine animals that depend on this ecosystem are at risk, as climate change is also affecting their reproductive capabilities. Corals release polyps into the water containing both eggs and sperm that attach to something solid. With less coral releasing polyps, colonies are dying with no chance of bouncing back (Kolbert). Continuing to lose these organisms would be tragic for humans, too. “Many drugs are now being developed from coral reef animals and plants as possible cures for cancer, arthritis, human bacterial infections, viruses, and other diseases” (United States Department of Commerce). Presently, coral reef survival is a definite possibility; however stress caused by humans must decrease in order for the organisms to survive.

Although coral reefs have only been monitored since the late 1960s, significant differences to speak of exist. At first, reefs were more th...

... middle of paper ...

...is direction” (Roach). Raising awareness and taking action now are the most essential components to preserving these beautiful, yet ever-so-crucial ecosystems.

Works Cited

Kolbert, Elizabeth. “Ocean Acidification: The Acid Sea.” National Geographic. National Geographic Mag., Apr. 2011. Web. 29 Mar. 2011.

McKeown, Alice. “Coral Reefs under Threat.” World Watch 23:1. Jan-Feb 2010. Web. 17 Mar. 2011.

Roach, John. “Caribbean Corals in Dire Trouble, Study Finds.” National Geographic. National Geographic Society, 22 July. 2003. Web. 29 Mar. 2011.

Scales, Helen. “Coral Reefs Vanishing Faster Than Rain Forests.” National Geographic. National Geographic Society, 7 Aug. 2007. Web. 29 Mar. 2011.

United States. Dept. of Commerce. “Corals.” NOAA Ocean Service Education. US Department of Commerce, 11 Dec. 2009. Web. 31 Mar. 2011.

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