The process of Global Warming is severely affecting the coral reefs. Oceans have absorbed ⅓ of the Carbon Dioxide produced by humans. As the level of oxygen in the ocean increases, the pH of the water becomes more acidic. Ocean acidification causes corals to loose the ability to be able to form a skeleton and some corals could become extinct.
Another large problems with climate change is the rise in sea levels. The warming of the atmostphere is causing the polar caps to melt. This causes the sea levels to rise. Much of the Great barrier Reef is low-lying so this has the ability to greatly affect the fragile ballence of the reefs. This could affect pH levels, sunlight, and the possibility of invasive non-native species. According to Coral Reef Protection and Conservation, "Predictions of a future increase in sea levels are highly variable and range from 0.68m across the Great Barrier Reef Region to a global increase of up to 0.9m by 2100. " The last Problem is that due to warm waters the zooxanthellae, which the corals rely on for food, leave the tissue. Without zooxanthellae the corals become white, or bleached. Bleached corals are weak and less able to fight disease.
Climate Change Issues
By Carmen Colosi
coral reefs: adaptation or extinction?