THE EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING TO CORAL REEFS HABITAT
Coral reefs are colorful underwater structures made from calcium carbonate secreted by corals. It is a forest, which teem with life and act as a natural protective barrier for coastal regions. They are really important for biodiversity, since they provide a home for 25% of all marine life, including fish, mollusks, worms, crustaceans, echinoderms, sponges, etc. Not only that, coral reefs also provides nurseries for many species, protecting from storm waves, and a significant attraction for tourism businesses, for example coral reefs off the Florida Keys help generate more than $1.6 billion annually.
In one year alone, 16% of coral reefs populations are wiped out. A change in sea temperature would yield similar losses, and increasing levels of CO2 could make additional damage that leaves them defenseless against erosion or storm damage.
One major aspect that causes destruction of coral reefs is global warming. Higher sea temperatures from global warming have caused a lot of coral bleaching events. According to National Wildlife Federation, coral reefs bleaching occur when corals respond to the stress of warmer temperatures by releasing algae that live with them, because of this, corals often dies, including the entire ecosystem that is formed along the corals. Warmer water is also expected to bring various coral diseases that can cause death to corals.
Ocean acidification is also a high treat for coral reefs, this occur when the ocean absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. As the ocean becoming more acidic, the corals ability to grow is become slower.
Based on WWF, the Seychelles Islands are famous for their coral reefs. However, even though it was protected, the Seychelles suffered a severe coral bleaching in the late 1990s and because of this, it has proven that climate change is the most significant threat for coral reefs.
By: Diemas Ekakarina Prihandini
In one year alone, 16% of coral reefs populations are wiped out. A change in sea temperature would yield similar losses, and increasing levels of CO2 could make additional damage that leaves them defenseless against erosion or storm damage.
One major aspect that causes destruction of coral reefs is global warming. Higher sea temperatures from global warming have caused a lot of coral bleaching events. According to National Wildlife Federation, coral reefs bleaching occur when corals respond to the stress of warmer temperatures by releasing algae that live with them, because of this, corals often dies, including the entire ecosystem that is formed along the corals. Warmer water is also expected to bring various coral diseases that can cause death to corals.
Ocean acidification is also a high treat for coral reefs, this occur when the ocean absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. As the ocean becoming more acidic, the corals ability to grow is become slower.
Based on WWF, the Seychelles Islands are famous for their coral reefs. However, even though it was protected, the Seychelles suffered a severe coral bleaching in the late 1990s and because of this, it has proven that climate change is the most significant threat for coral reefs.
By: Diemas Ekakarina Prihandini