April 5, 2020
According to researchers, ocean acidification as well as constant rising temperatures are the main reasons on why coral reefs are starting to die. It is commonly believed among the public that we are the cause of many oceanic problems; such as pollution, but this is not the main reason. Although it plays a role in these failing coral reefs, it is not as big of one as you may believe. According to Renee Setter, a biogeographer at the University of Hawaii Manoa, there is reason to believe that a large portion of coral reefs around the globe will be decimated. Setter says that coral reefs will be looking very grim by the year 2100. Many Scientists believe that 70-90% of the coral reefs will disappear completely. Researchers have began preliminary tests attempting to find a solution to restore these reefs; these tests revolve around the area's sea surface temperatures and acidity. Along with these tests many groups have mentioned the idea of implementing live coral reefs, that were made in a lab, to replace the dying ones in hopes to bring the area back to life. Although the chances of repairing many of areas affected are slim to none, the most that we can do is fight climate change. Outside of doing our best to fight climate change, there is not much that we can do, much of the damage has already been done.
Coral reefs are one of the most important areas of life on the entire earth and are currently in great danger, yet nobody is talking about them. In class, we discussed how diverse coral reefs are and how vital they are in oceans. Coral reefs contain the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, are a main habitat for many, protect coastlines during massive storms and more. We talked in class about ecosystems a great deal, and it is important to see the damage being caused to one of them.
I chose to discuss this topic, because coral reefs are an essential part of the natural world, and they are dying. Reading this article made me think about what is happening in this world. This is such a big issue, however barely discussed. I found this article after countless webpages looking for a topic. I do not understand why this is not mainstream news. Hearing that coral reefs could be completely eliminated is a scary thought when understanding their importance. Most of the damage is already done, according to the article. We need to do better as a culture and focus on our earth and do all that we can to save these coral reefs; if they disappear, there could possibly be big changes to the earth as we know it.
Works Cited: American Geophysical Union. "Warming, acidic oceans may nearly eliminate coral reef habitats by 2100." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 18 February 2020. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200218124358.htm>.
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Photo Credit: “Is Sunscreen Killing Our Coral Reefs?” National Geographic, 22 Oct. 2015, www.nationalgeographic.com.au/nature/is-sunscreen-killing-our-coral-reefs.aspx. |
Coral reefs are one of the most important areas of life on the entire earth and are currently in great danger, yet nobody is talking about them. In class, we discussed how diverse coral reefs are and how vital they are in oceans. Coral reefs contain the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, are a main habitat for many, protect coastlines during massive storms and more. We talked in class about ecosystems a great deal, and it is important to see the damage being caused to one of them.
I chose to discuss this topic, because coral reefs are an essential part of the natural world, and they are dying. Reading this article made me think about what is happening in this world. This is such a big issue, however barely discussed. I found this article after countless webpages looking for a topic. I do not understand why this is not mainstream news. Hearing that coral reefs could be completely eliminated is a scary thought when understanding their importance. Most of the damage is already done, according to the article. We need to do better as a culture and focus on our earth and do all that we can to save these coral reefs; if they disappear, there could possibly be big changes to the earth as we know it.
Works Cited: American Geophysical Union. "Warming, acidic oceans may nearly eliminate coral reef habitats by 2100." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 18 February 2020. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200218124358.htm>.
It is disappointing to hear that 70-90% of the Earth's coral reefs are likely to disappear. As you mentioned, coral reefs support a diverse assortment of aquatic life. With out coral reefs, species may go extinct. This should motivate us to take a more aggressive approach to protect these ecological treasures.
ReplyDeleteI think it's really important that you highlighted the fact that this issue is hard to come by in the media/news. It is a very important topic and should be front page considering the species diversity that the coral reefs contain.
ReplyDeleteThis topic also fit in nicely with our Biodiversity Declines video. The video and this blog really emphasize that coral reefs are responsible for a lot of ocean life, and the potential for their disappearance would have disastrous effects on the ocean food chain.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this topic and I think you did a really nice job explaining the topic. I liked how you didn't just focus on what is causing the coral reef decline, but you addressed the tests they are doing in hopes of finding a way to say the coral reefs
ReplyDeleteThis is a very good topic and a very relevant topic. Coral Reefs supply a huge amount of life forms and can't be compromised or the decline of those life forms are probable.
ReplyDeleteWe all know that our world's oceans have suffered due to the effects of humans, however, it's eye-opening to have a date set for when one of our oceans' most precious ecosystems will be gone. The after-effects of their destruction is something one can only imagine. And articles like this should be a wake-up call for us all.
ReplyDeleteIt is very unfortunate to hear that the coral reefs could be completely gone by 2100, but not surprising given our current lavish lifestyle. The depletion of coral reefs will almost certainly force some species to go extinct.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this topic and felt like you were super clear and concise in explaining it. I knew that the coral reefs were in danger but I didn't realize how rapid the decline is.
ReplyDeleteIt is a sad subject, and scary as well. You bring up great points that this needs to be discussed more. I hate to hear that most of the damage has already been done and I think that is why it is kept out of the news, but this is a great topic and a great blog post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! I will definitely be more aware of my choice in sunscreen following this reading.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this topic but at the same time it was very sad to read about 70-90% of the Earth's coral reefs are likely to disappear.I think it is one of the important topics that people need to pay more attention to it.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is a very scary realization. I hope that the coral reefs do not disappear anytime soon as they are not only an interesting part of the ocean ecosystem, but also provide homes and food to countless ocean animals. I hope that the experiments with creating coral in laboratories is successful, but obviously it would be a last choice scenario.
ReplyDelete