Climate Change

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Climate change is the long-term shift in temperatures and weather patterns. Human activities are the main cause of climate change, primarily through the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. Burning fossil fuels generates greenhouse gas emissions that act as an insulator around the Earth and traps the sun's heat and raises temperatures. As a result of increased emissions, the Earth is now about 2° F warmer than it was in 1880. 

The consequences of climate change does not end with warmer temperatures. Earth is an interconnected system and changes in one area will influence changes in all others. Many communities have witnessed the effects of climate change in the form of intense droughts, water scarcity, severe fires, rising sea levels, flooding, melting polar caps, catastrophic storms, and declining biodiversity. 

How has climate change impacted our coral reefs?

Most coral species require ocean temperatures ranging from 73-84°F (23-28°C). When the temperature in the ocean increases (to 86°F (30°C) and above), coral polyps begin to release its zooxanthellae, which are the microscopic symbiotic algae located within the coral polyps. Zooxanthellae gives coral polyps their vibrant colors. After coral loses a large fraction of its zooxanthellae, the coral also loses its color and will turn white (i.e., coral bleaching). While coral is still alive after this process, the zooxanthellae, which is also the coral's primary food source, is gone. This leads to an extremely high risk of the coral developing diseases and ultimately dying. 

The rise in ocean temperatures also has the potential to kill fish and other marine life. Many species become discouraged to live among bleached coral, which consequently reduces the variety of species located among the coral reef.