Coral Reefs

Global Warming

Global warming is the increase in the earth's temperature caused by the buildup of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and methane) in the atmosphere. Increasing levels of greenhouse gases, resulting from industry and the burning of fossil fuels, may result in rising global temperatures, causing coastal flooding and major climatic changes. A United Nations panel of scientists has predicted that if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced, the average global temperature could rise by 1° to 3.5° C (1.8° to 6.3° F) by the year 2100.

Coral Reefs

Coral reefs around the world are in danger. One of the causes is global warming, which has been increasing the temperature of the ocean water resulting in coral bleaching. The Great Barrier Reef is a chain of coral reefs in the Coral Sea, off the northeastern coast of Australia.

Australia has been slow to cut back on greenhouse gas emissions. This may explain why in 1998, almost 90% of the Great Barrier Reef was affected by coral bleaching.

Global warming trends may also lead to more extreme and unpredictable weather. An increase in tropical storms could do extensive physical damage to coral reef ecosystems. Rising sea levels may become a serious threat to coral reefs and to small island nations based on coral reef atolls.

The biggest way we can help prevent further destruction of coral reefs is to help curb global warming. The first step in reaching this goal is to educate people and make them aware that global warming exists and the consequences of it. Unfortunately, awareness isn't enough. People have to do something. The governments of many nations have met and passed bills and mandates to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These include the Berlin Mandate and Kyoto Protocol.