The Effects of Global Warming on Coral Reefs

This topic submitted by Jason McIntosh ( mcintosh.jason1@gmail.com) at 12:31 PM on 4/25/08.

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Tropical Field Courses -Interdisciplinary Studies-Miami University



Global warming has been a hot topic for several years now and something that I am very concerned about. I lived on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands for a year and came to love the coral reefs near it's coast. After speaking at length with natives to the island of 20 or more years, I was made aware of the fact the reefs have changed surprisingly quickly over the last few years. Coral bleaching has become a major problem. In this paper I want to investigate why this is happening, how wide spread is the problem, and what can be done about it.

I. Coral Animals
A. Anatomy
B. Basic needs for survival
C. Types of coral

II. Importance of Coral Reefs
A. Tourism
B. Commercial Fishing
C. Protecting the shoreline
D. Vital habitat

III. Global Warming
A. Causes of global warming
B. Effects on coral reefs
1. bleaching
2. total die offs
3. decrease in diversity of sea life
C. Explanation for why global warming effects coral reefs in this way
1. increase in temperature of water
2. acidification
3. silt sufficating coral

IV. Solutions
A. Predictions for future
B. What can be done
1. decrease fossil fuel using
2. stop deforestation
3. biorock reef restoration

Sources:

"Coral Reefs and Global Climate Change", Pew Center on Global Climate Change, Feb. 2004

"Coral Reefs Under Rapid Climate Change and Acidification", Science, Dec. 2007

"Global Warming is Destroying Coral Reefs, Major Study Warns", Science Daily, Dec. 2007

"Global Warming Identified as Main Threat to Coral Reefs", Nature, Oct. 2000

"Trying to Save Coral Reefs", Time, Aug. 2007

"New Science Paper Says Carbon Emissions Threaten Coral Reefs", NOAA, Dec. 2007

"Global Warming has Devastating Effect on Coral Reefs", National Geographic, May 2006


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