Kennesaw State students should be aware of the negative effects coral bleaching has on the environment.
Aquatic Organisms
Aquatic organisms depend on coral reefs for food and protection. Coral reefs are colorful and lively ecosystems that are highly productive because of their richness in biodiversity.
Coral reefs are extremely sensitive to changes in the waters enveloping them. Unfortunately, with the rise in temperature and ocean acidification because of anthropogenic activities, coral reefs are degrading.
According to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration article, “carbon dioxide absorbed into the ocean from the atmosphere has already begun to reduce calcification rates in reef-building and reef-associated organisms by altering seawater chemistry through decreases in pH. This process is called ocean acidification.”
Ocean acidification has been proven to stop or slow the construction of coral reefs.
As the ink on the colorful pictures of coral reefs begins to fade, so does the life that once thrived within this ecosystem. When coral begins to bleach and turn white, they become a less suitable habitat for wildlife. If temperature and pH changes continue to kill or prevent coral reef building, these structures will no longer be able to support the thousands of organisms that once flourished there.
Human Safety and Needs
Coral reefs protect the homes of those residing near coastal areas. According to a USGS article written by the Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, “coral reefs, in particular, can substantially reduce coastal flooding and erosion by dissipating as much as 97% of incident wave energy.”
This demonstrates that coral reefs protect coastal cities by quite literally acting as a barrier between those places and high tide waves.
As an effect of the worsening climate change issues, storm intensities may face new extremes. This means that coastal communities will become more dependent on coral reefs to protect them to prevent flooding and damage to their property.
Unfortunately for those inhabiting those regions, another effect of climate change is the degradation of coral reefs. If the climate change issue continues, coral reefs may become an unreliable source of protection, leaving many individuals and their homes susceptible to massive threats.
Many organisms will lose their habitat and some will even die, disrupting the food chain. Some individuals depend on fishing for food for themselves or for their job. Eventually, this phenomenon could lose people their jobs, food sources or homes.
The Economy
Coral reefs protect coastal communities and prevent the destruction of homes and properties which can take an economic toll.
According to an Environmental Monitoring and Assessment study, “healthy reefs contribute to local economies through tourism… Coral reefs also act as the buffer adjacent to shorelines which minimize erosion, property damage and loss of life from wave action.”
Snorkeling, diving and beaches are all activities that bring in revenue for businesses near coral reefs. Coral bleaching causes the coral to lose its color which makes the reefs a less lively attraction; therefore, can cause a dramatic drop in the economy.
It is easy to overlook the negative impact of coral bleaching because it feels as if it does not affect daily lives; however, the issue is still relevant and continues to worsen. It is important for students to be aware of the effects and dangers coral bleaching causes to the environment.
