Take Action

To understand, the dire future coral reef systems will have in the future without our taking action then please look at the my original diagrams below

Pristine Reef System

Fig.36: My diagram of a pristine coral reef system

But if ocean acidification, thermal stress, and disease continues then reef system becomes like this:

Future Reef System

Fig.37: My diagram of reef system's likely future if climate change continues at its pace

Fig. 36:    Pristine Reef System	Fig.37:    Future Reef System
Plenty of fish species Great coral variety Numerous large coral colonies present Plenty of sea urchins, sea stars, and inverts. Few macroalgae Little to none bleaching or disease	Severe decline in fish species Hardly any coral variety                                    Small coral species more common No sea urchin, sea star, or other inverts. Macroalgae are dominant Bleaching and disease common

Why Should We Care?

Diversity: Coral reefs are the most diverse habitat on Earth. Coral reefs support 25% of marine life while covering less than 1% of  the ocean.

Economics: Many living nearby coral reefs depend on commercial fishing ventures and related jobs to serve as their livelihood. Millions of dollars are produced off of commercial trade related to coral reef products.

Protection: Coral reefs that are formed as barrier reefs provide a natural protection band for coastal areas. Things like wave force and action are reduced after passing the coral reef.

Food: For numerous people that live near coral reefs, this is their only source of nutrition.

Below is a diagram in figure 38, that I have compiled to show how how closely dependent our society is to the ecosystem's services which in turn are sharply sensitive to changes in environment: For example, if environment stressors continue than individual physiology might not adapt leading to decline in population abundance which stresses the food web, leading to a decline in that system's productivity, which means less fish for us to commercially sell.

Fig.38: My diagram to show how exactly changes in environment and society are linked

What Can We Do?

• Make others more aware of the effects of climate change through educational outreach

• Reduce your energy consumption 

                       -Use solar panels, natural gas, support wind turbine development
                       -Buy electric vehicles, use public transport, or walk
                       - Recycle plastics and compost items as needed

• Reduce anthropogenic activities

                       -Rely less on pesticides, preservatives
                       -Curb excessive run-off
                       -Give tax breaks to industries/companies going "green"

• Do not litter or pollute ecosystems like the coral reef
• Do not introduce non-native species to the ecosystem, they might become invasive to it
• Support conservation efforts and attempts to help keystone or endangered species
• Support political initiatives that cap consumption and vote for such changes

So let's support our coral reefs so that they continue supporting us. Thank you for your time!

Text on this page compiled by my knowledge and common sense solutions