The Impact of Climate Change on Coral Reefs

How does climate change affect coral reefs?

1. Higher sea temperatures

2. Ocean acidification

3. Coral bleaching

Answer:

Climate change has several negative impacts on coral reefs, including higher sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and coral bleaching.

Coral reefs are highly sensitive ecosystems that are greatly affected by changes in the environment, particularly those caused by climate change. As sea temperatures rise due to global warming, coral reefs experience stress that can lead to bleaching—when colorful coral expels the algae living in its tissue, turning white and leaving the coral vulnerable to disease and death. Additionally, ocean acidification, a result of increased levels of carbon dioxide being absorbed by oceans, weakens coral structures and inhibits reef growth. These factors combined have a devastating impact on coral reef ecosystems worldwide, threatening their survival.