Intro:
• Corals are marine invertebrates forming symbiotic relationships with zooxanthellae algae.
• Global warming threatens coral reefs—biodiversity hotspots with ~25% marine species.
Impacts:
• Coral Bleaching:
- Elevated sea surface temperatures (>1°C above average) stress corals.
- Expulsion of algae → white appearance → energy depletion.
- Example: 2016 Great Barrier Reef bleaching killed ~50% of shallow corals.
• Ocean Acidification:
- CO₂ absorption lowers pH → reduces calcium carbonate availability.
- Hinders skeletal growth, weakens reef structures.
- Affects reef-building species like Acropora.
• Sea Level Rise:
- Reduces light penetration in deeper waters → affects photosynthesis in zooxanthellae.
• Increased Storm Intensity:
- Frequent cyclones cause physical damage to reef formations.
- Example: Caribbean reefs damaged by Hurricane Irma (2017).
Conclusion:
• Global warming severely threatens coral resilience, biodiversity, and coastal livelihoods.
• Urgent global climate action is essential to preserve reef ecosystems.
