Assess the impact of global warming on coral life system with examples.

Human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, have resulted in a significant increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This has led to a warming of the planet, commonly referred to as global warming or climate change. Over the past few decades, this warming has had a significant impact on the world’s oceans, including the inhabitants of these oceans, such as corals.

Bleaching:

Corals lose their color due to loss of zooxanthellae algae
Algae live in symbiotic relationship with coral, death of algae leads to death of coral
Example: Great Barrier Reef in Australia has experienced significant bleaching

Fluctuations in Mineral Composition:

Temperature of oceans regulates mineral contents like magnesium and calcium
Imbalance in mineral contents results in inability of corals to survive
Example: Collapse of coral colonies in Caribbean islands

Phytoplanktons:

Major source of nutrients for corals
Sustain corals in optimum subtropical temperatures
Example: Reduction in phytoplankton in subtropical waters

Mineral Imbalance:

Increase in global temperature results in loss of mineral contents for corals
Example: Coral colonies at Caribbean islands lost due to mineral imbalance

Way Forward:

Curbing carbon emission and ozone protection
Reduce burning of fossil fuels and emission of harmful gases
Reducing pollution near water bodies, banning non-biodegradable products near oceans and lakes
Artificial reefs can be used as solution to stop islands from sinking