Coral reefs are currently being deemed at a “tipping point” in ocean temperatures, meaning there has been a serious shift in death rates within coral reefs. What is happening?
Society has caught light of the importance of protecting marine life and performing sustainable acts to save the environment for years. But, the environment continues to expire.
The acts of generational pollution, recreational development in sacred areas and plummeting rates of poor water quality leads to the truth that reefs are dying.
“I’m devastated by what’s happening to the coral reefs,” junior Lea Garcia said.
With rapid increases in marine temperatures, and the constant sun bleaching of the coral, there’s no saying what the foreseeable future could look like for the reefs. In recent days, scientists have discovered the news that two vital coral species, the “Staghorn” and the “Elkhorn” have gone extinct.
“The destruction of the coral reefs just makes me so sad,” junior Bryna Sheehan said. “Like how past generations have set us up for failure and we can’t do much about it.”
Many members of Gen Z are terrified for the future, as they feel they are the ones that reap the consequences of past generations and face the repercussions of continuous environmental decay.
“My generation is supposed to take care of the Earth, but how are we supposed to do that when so much of our ecosystem is beyond repair?” Sheehan said.
The Trump administration has rolled back many environmental protections, furthering the chain of destruction. Trump’s attacks on environmental protections have caused irreversible damage, and the environment will continue to face the repercussions in the coming years.
As reefs perish, and the morale in marine biology fields is at an all time low, there are still many ways to contribute to the rehabilitation of coral reefs.
Contributing can be as easy as conserving water in households (therefore decreasing carbon footprint) or using green alternatives for fertilizer on lawns. People can also donate to trusted organizations in their communities.
“The coral reef system is very complex and is home to much of our planet’s biodiversity,” AP Environmental Science teacher Cassandra Smink said. “It is sad knowing that reefs all over the world are dying. You can help in small ways by choosing reef-safe sunscreen only and avoiding single-use plastics that often end up in our oceans.”
It will not end at coral reefs. The environment is going to continue to face threats and extinctions, as long as people continue unethical practices within the environment.
