Human Impact On Coral Reefs
Humans know little of Earth’s coral reefs, yet it is evident the reefs are dying. Coral has populated coastal regions globally for millions of years with very few evolutionary changes, but this lack of change is causing the reef more harm than good. The increase in global temperature and carbon emissions is transformative to our pristine reefs, leading them to bleach and die. Our once abundant reefs are dying at an exponential rate and it can be attributed to humans and their little regard and education for these ancient creatures.
Coral bleaching is responsible for the mass death of coral reefs worldwide. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration asserts that the phenomena of bleaching starts when a coral is under stress. Triggers of this stress can be caused by changes in temperature, light and nutrients. This stress results in the coral expelling zooxanthellae, a form of algae that gives coral its coloration as well as nutrients to survive. Without the algae, the coral turns white, and eventually dies if normal conditions are not returned (NOAA). The recent increase in global temperature is said to be the direct cause of coral bleaching due to Earth’s oceans absorbing the majority of UV rays which are increased by greenhouse gasses (PBS). For example, in 2014 alone, the Pacific Ocean experienced an average temperature increase of 3. 6°F, with only a 1. 8°F temperature increase needed to cause bleaching, this was a pivotal moment that led to a collapse in marine ecosystems throughout the Pacific. This phenomena was documented in the film, Chasing Coral, in which short clips of the precarious coral were taken every day for two months, ending with the ultimate death of the animal. The consequences of this phenomenon are not completely understood, but the severity is.
Though only a small percentage of Earth’s population lives on the coast and has the opportunity to see coral reefs in their day to day lives, the condition of Earth’s reefs affects virtually everyone. Justin Worland with TIME Magazine claims our reefs are home to a quarter of all marine animals which creates over a $375 billion fishing industry worldwide with coral providing nutrients, shelter, and a place to breed for hundreds of thousands of marine species. Another major industry is tourism with millions of tourists flocking to the coast for a glimpse at the underwater rainforest. With the coral dying, over half of these industries’ profits are expected to be lost by 2030. Third world countries along the coast are also extremely dependent on the condition of the reefs for basic necessities and a way of life. Without healthy coral reefs, a domino effect will occur starting with small fish and ending with humans, who are highly reliant on the ocean and its animals.
Though many may attribute the increasing global temperature to Earth coming out of an ice age, the effects are are simply too dramatic. For the planets temperature to be fluctuating as many anti-climate change activists argue, the reefs would be more resilient towards the water changes.
The increase in oceanic water temperature is commonly attributed to the mass amounts of carbon emissions from humans, therefore, humans need to take action. Ways to solve this conundrum would begin with a dramatic reduction of carbon emissions; carbon emissions allow for greater amounts of UV rays to enter our atmosphere, therefore increasing the global temperature. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration explains that in addition to reducing our carbon footprint, we also need to educate ourselves on the issue and realize the direct impact we have on the environment. For example, many basic fertilizers we use for gardening produce mass amounts of greenhouse gasses as well as contributing to runoff into our streams and rivers which lead into Earth’s oceans (NOAA).
Though seeing coral reefs and the dramatic changes they go through daily is not reality for most of Earth’s population, the effects will be. If oceanic temperatures continue to increase at their current rate, the consequences will include a decline in the fishing industry, less tourism, and the extinction of many marine animals. Humans need to act fast in regards to their carbon footprint before coral degradation is irreversible and damage is permanent.
Bibliography
- James, Lauren E. “Half of the Great Barrier Reef Is Dead. ” National Geographic, 7 Aug. 2018, https://www. nationalgeographic. com/magazine/2018/08/explore-atlas-great-barrier-reef-coral-bleaching-map-climate-change/.
- Melker, Saskia de, and Melanie Saltzman. “'Chasing Coral' Documents Destruction of Coral Reefs. ” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, 2 July 2017, https://www. pbs. org/newshour/show/chasing-coral-documents-destruction-coral-reefs.
- U. S. Department of Commerce, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “What Is Coral Bleaching?” NOAA's National Ocean Service, NOAA, 15 Mar. 2010, https://oceanservice. noaa. gov/facts/coralbleach. html.
- Worland, Justin. “Dying Coral Reefs Impact Environment and Economy. ” Time, Time, https://time. com/coral/.
