Abstract:
This research paper, written at a high school senior level, is centered on a focused argument. The paper targets the importance of coral reefs as a critical and vastly populated marine habitat, as well as a crucial human resource. An increase in anthropogenic carbon dioxide due to human activities increases ocean acidity as well as decreases seawater carbonate levels, the material corals and other califiers use to build their shells. This paired with rising global temperatures causing coral bleaching could prove to be fatal for coral communities. In addition to a mass habitat loss for about 25% of all ocean species, the destruction of coral reefs could harm many coastal societies that are dependant on the reef for tourism, food sources, and coastal protection. Through new research on tolerable ocean pH levels, setting targets for carbon dioxide emissions, and protecting the environment, humans can help to restore the quality of coral reefs and preserve the valuable resources that they provide us and the array of marine organisms that are dependant on them.
Full paper
Full paper