How does climate change impact coral reefs?

According to a recent report by Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, the world has lost about 14 percent of its coral reefs since 2010. Climate change triggered by greenhouse gases has been pointed out as the key reason for this catastrophic change in a short span of 11 years.?

Some of the world’s most spectacular coral reefs, right from the remote islands on the Pacific Ocean to the Maldives on the Indian Ocean, are under threat, thanks to global warming. So how exactly does climate change affect coral reefs?

Coral bleaching

For starters, the rise in global temperatures causes a spike in sea surface temperatures resulting in a phenomenon called coral bleaching. Now, this process causes the corals to come under stress and they expel algae, thereby losing their vibrant colours. Algae is responsible for the bright and surreal shades of coral reefs; besides, corals and the algae living in them have a mutually beneficial relationship, and they are key to each other’s survival. The expulsion of algae not just turns corals white, but it also tilts the balance in the marine environment. If temperatures continue to remain high, the algae can never go back to the coral, and we end up losing our coral reefs.

Marine ecosystem

The slow fading away and loss of coral reefs has a direct impact on ocean biodiversity. A lot of fish, turtles and marine organisms are dependent on corals for food and shelter. So when the dynamics of the ecosystem collapse, it can lead to deterioration of the food chain system and even result in extinction of certain species if this continues over a prolonged period.

Impact on humans

We started it, after all. It’s only natural that we bare the brunt of climate change and coral bleaching. Apart from protecting and nourishing marine life, coral reefs play a massive role in ensuring that our coasts are safe. They act as natural barriers reducing the force of tides, waves and sea storms, thereby eliminating the need to actually build sea walls. Besides, the loss of marine life has a direct economic impact on those reliant on fishing for a living, and this in turn can have a domino effect on allied industries.?

What can we do to fix it?

It’s never too late to act. We are not doomed to lose all our coral reefs, if we step up, take stock and work towards reversing the damage caused. Which is precisely what we are doing with Reefscapers, a team of marine biologists and consultants working to restore the coral reefs of the Maldives. Only Earth teamed up with them in 2021 to help restore the reefs at Fulhadhoo island in the Maldives. How are we doing this? By constructing and transplanting new artificial coral reef structures to help propagation. At the same time, the project also seeks to empower and educate local communities and promote sustainable island tourism in and around Fulhadhoo. Together with our resolve to make people aware of the benefits of a vegan lifestyle with our range of offerings in this space, we’re sure we’ll make a positive impact.