Assess the impact of global warming on the coral life system with examples. (UPSC IAS Mains 2019 General Studies Paper – 1)
The greenhouse gases increase due to various human activities, which leads to an increase in global warming over the course of a couple of decades. This global warming has several effects on coral ecosystems.
Major impacts of Global Warming on Coral Life
- Bleaching is a phenomenon in which corals lose their distinctive color as a result of the loss of zooxanthellae algae. These algae reside in a symbiotic relationship with corals, and thus, their demise also results in the mortality of the corals. For example: Bleaching observed in the Great barrier reef of Australia.
- Increased temperature reduces the percentage of magnesium and calcium, making it difficult for corals to survive due to low levels of these mineral contents in the ocean.
- Phytoplankton serves as a primary source of nutrients for corals, enabling them to thrive in optimal subtropical temperatures. Without the presence of these organisms, corals would be unable to survive.
- Due to increase in global temperature corals are losing their mineral contents which are useful to sustain the life of corals.
Solutions
Taking urgent measures to reverse global temperatures is the need of the hour. This entails implementing methods such as reducing carbon emissions and protecting the ozone layer. It is crucial to decrease the burning of fossil fuels and the release of harmful gases like CO2, NOx, and SOx into the atmosphere. Additionally, efforts should be made to reduce pollution near water bodies and to ban the use of non-biodegradable products in oceans and lakes. Artificial reefs can serve as a solution to prevent the erosion of islands.
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