Climate & Nature...

Even a slight increase in temperature can be quite perilous for the stability of a coral reef.  Corals, which are comprised of animals called polyps that secrete tough, protective exoskeletons made of calcium carbonate, are at a greater risk of death even when the temperature rises a mere 1-2 degrees Celsius above summer averages.  Microbes, which are essentially bacteria that live in and around the reefs, thrive in warmer temperatures, and are able to attack the corals whose exoskeletons are already compromised due to the warmer water.  To make matters worse, some species of bacteria that exist symbiotically with the coral become weakened, further allowing harmful microbes to assert themselves in the coral reef’s environment.  In short, global warming is setting off an underwater chain reaction that is completely disrupting the way a coral ecosystem functions.

This triggers a multitude of problems.  In addition to the coral itself being harmed and often killed, the erosion of coral reefs also diminishes coastal defenses and land, affecting human welfare in the surrounding communities.  Further, many developing countries rely on coral reefs for both the fishing and tourism industries.  The erosion of coral reefs is not only a tragic loss of natural beauty, it is also a serious and immediate problem that is adversely affecting coastal nations around the world. 

There are, however, some local measures that can be taken to help reverse the toll the microbes have taken on the reefs.  Reducing general pollution, avoiding harmful run-off from nearby farming, and keeping tabs on soil erosion (which can suffocate the reefs) are all short term solutions that would help to improve reef health.  Despite this, the greater problem remains that water temperatures are simply too high- yet another reminder that we need to change the way we live on a global level if we want any hope of keeping this planet clean and flourishing for generations to come.