Influence of Climate Change on Coral Reefs

Abstract

Anthropogenic activities like as burning fossil fuels, deforestation and altering land use have had a significant impact on greenhouse gas concentrations such as carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere. Changes in the coral reef ecosystem, as well as declining carbonate ion concentrations have resulted in global warming, ocean circulation, sedimentation, storms and ocean acidification. Coral bleaching will cause loss of diversity, changes in fish community, composition, calcification rates, larval and adult development processes, symbiotic association of organisms, other physiological performance and behaviours of coral reef fishes during early life history are some of the immediate consequences. Reefs will be destroyed geological structures, loss of diversity, and damage the marine ecology if CO₂ levels hit 450 ppm (2030-2040 at current rates). Given the importance of coral reefs to the livelihoods of millions of people, efforts like this should be pursued as soon as possible.