The transformations occurring in the world under the influence of technological progress change not only the quality of people’s lives making them safer and more comfortable but also the surrounding nature. The chemicals produced by various plants, factories, and billions of automobiles all over the world have triggered greenhouse effect that, in its turn, has influenced the climate conditions and all biosystems of the planet including the global ocean. At the present stage, one of its main problems lies in the fact that because of acidification, coral reefs that provide shelter for hundreds of marine species are being destroyed. The article “Turning Back Time” by Janice M. Lough focuses on the possible solutions to the problems that can help to restore coral reefs and fasten their growth.
In the interdisciplinary article “Turning Back Time (2016),” written by Janice M. Lough and published in 2016 in the journal “Nature,” the author presents the result of an experiment which demonstrates that coral reefs have a chance to be saved by means of reef calcification that is expected to trigger their growth. The author emphasizes that, just a couple of centuries ago, there existed almost no threat for the existence of coral reefs, and, at the present stage, they are in danger of extinction. Among the main factors that harm this ecosystem are air and land pollution, global warming, and acidification of the water. The problem is that coral reefs are extremely sensitive to the changes of temperatures, especially when it goes about their increase. Though the average temperature on the planet has not crucially increased, coral reefs have already started bleaching that leads to their destruction. The reason for it is a huge amount of carbon dioxide in the water that prevents marine creatures from producing calcium for their shells that further construct the coral reefs. The author claims that numerous experiments and researches that have been conducted concerning this problem were too limited since they focused only on the state of particular species of corals. However, the experiment organized by Albright and his colleagues was organized in situ and, therefore, is likely to present more reliable results. The investigation has revealed that the level of the ocean calcification directly depends on the amount of acid in it. The author also points out that if no measures are taken to prevent the further destruction of the coral reefs, it will lead to the extinction of many living organisms.
Some of the ideas expressed in the abovementioned article partially intersect with those from the research published by O. Hoegh-Guldberg et al. in the academic journal “Science.” In 2007 The article “Coral Reefs under Rapid Climate Change and Ocean Acidification (2007) focuses on the negative consequences the climate change and the increase of ocean acidity have brought to one of the richest and the most important ecosystems on the planet – coral reefs. Moreover, they express some suggestions concerning the changes the coral reefs are to go through during this century depending on various scenarios of the environment’s development. As well as the author of the previously mentioned article, Hoegh-Guldberg and their colleagues claim that one of the main reasons of the coral reefs’ destruction is a rapid increase of the concentration of carbon dioxide in the water that causes growth of the average temperature of the global ocean and reduces calcification of the organisms that build the coral reefs. In fact, many of the ideas expressed by Hoegh-Guldberg echo those mentioned by Janice M. Lough. In particular, Hoegh-Guldberg et al. (2007) claim that even if the temperature increases for 1-2˚C, it may have tragic consequences since the corals will start massive bleaching that will further lead to their death and extinction. Moreover, the scientists state that this process may take much time and not even be noticed by people. However, Hoegh-Guldberg, in contrast to the author of the previously analyzed article, is sure that many ocean creatures living in the reefs, will survive. Even if the main bulk of corals really becomes destroyed, marine species will be able to adjust themselves to new living conditions.
The fact that coral reefs are in danger of extinction is proved by the scientists from Japan. In the news article “Only ‘One Per Cent’ of Japan’s Biggest Coral Reef Is in a Healthy Condition Due to Climate Change” published by “The Telegraph” on 21 May 2018, it is stated that Sekisei Lagoon – one of Japan’s largest coral reefs – can disappear in the nearest time leaving more than 400 species without home. The reason for it is, actually, the one mentioned by Lough and Hoegh-Guldberg – bleaching because of the global warming. According to the article, in less than ten years, the ratio of healthy corals has decreased from almost fifteen percent to only four. Japanese scientists worry that the process continues, many representatives of fauna living there will be lost.
The global ocean is a colossal biosystem that does not only play an essential role in maintaining climate balance and providing the nature with enough water but is also a home for a great variety of living beings, a quarter of which have found their shelter in coral reefs. Global warming and the increase of the average water temperature, though being unnoted by ordinary people, have triggered dangerous, destructive processes. In case this process continues, and corals bleach, thousands of marine species will face the danger of extension. Therefore, it is essential for all people to be aware of the impact their activities have on nature and to do their best to stop global warming and prevent possible ecological disasters.
- Demetriou, D. (2018, May 21). Only ‘One Per Cent’ of Japan’s Biggest Coral Reef Is in a Healthy Condition Due to Climate Change. The Telegraph. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/
- Hoegh- Guldberg, O. et al. (2007). Coral Reefs under Rapid Climate Change and Ocean Acidification. Science, 318, 1737-1742.
- Lough, J. M. (2016). Turning Back Time. Nature, 531, 314-315.
