The Impact of Climate Change on Coral Reefs

How does climate change affect coral reefs?

Choose the correct answer:

A. Climate change leads to coral bleaching

B. Climate change has no impact on coral reefs

C. Climate change improves the health of coral reefs

Answer:

A. Climate change leads to coral bleaching

Coral reefs are highly sensitive ecosystems that are greatly impacted by climate change. One of the main effects of climate change on coral reefs is coral bleaching. When sea temperatures rise due to global warming, corals expel the algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn completely white. This bleaching event weakens the corals and makes them more susceptible to disease and death.

In addition to coral bleaching, climate change also results in ocean acidification and more frequent extreme weather events such as hurricanes and cyclones, which further harm coral reefs. The destruction of coral reefs not only affects marine life that depends on them for habitat and food, but also has negative consequences for coastal communities that rely on reefs for protection against storms and sources of income from tourism and fishing.

It is crucial for global efforts to combat climate change in order to protect and preserve these valuable and biodiverse ecosystems that play a vital role in maintaining the health of our oceans.