The Great Barrier Reef in northeastern Australia is the biggest living formation on Earth – somewhat smaller than the state of California. As one of the most complex marine ecosystems, it plays host to an enormous amount of sea life. Hundreds of types of coral and jellyfish, an estimated 3,000 species of mollusks, over 1,500 varieties of fish, hundreds of types of sharks, and many dolphins and whales thrive there -yet the reefs themselves are in serious peril.
In 2016 it was reported that two-thirds of the coral in the northern region of the Great Barrier Reef died off due to a phenomenon know as “bleaching.” As water temperatures rise, coral reefs expel algae, severing the symbiotic and nourishing relationship that helps keep them alive, leaving the coral itself in a sickly white diseased state. Sadly, this appears to be part of a long term pattern that started around 2014 and has no end in sight.
A recent study in the journal, Nature, strongly correlated this catastrophic coral reef die-off with rising temperatures, proving that climate change is the likely culprit. Because there is very little pollution or alternate man-made interference in and around the sections of reef that were being studied, this conclusion appears to be valid.
Reefs are important because they house more marine species than any other marine ecosystem in the world, and in doing so, harbor a significant food source for humans. They also serve as protection against storm surge and flooding. Many of the best waves on the planet are created because of the formation and shape of reefs along the ocean floor.
Since the threat reefs are facing is related to climate change we need to figure out what can be done to stem the tide of destruction. While the situation is bleak, and improvement depends on an overall collaborative effort rather than a local fix, there are ways to make a positive impact. Natural Resource Defense Counsel (NRDC) suggests the following 5 things that can be done to mitigate climate change, and help improve the situation:
1. Make your voice heard
Spread information about climate change through social media and more direct forms of contact. Pressure law makers into regulating carbon emissions by writing letters, emails, and making phone calls to their offices.
2. Shore up your home
Use renewable energy from certified Green-e Energy utility companies if possible. Insulate, weatherize, install Energy Star rated appliances, and use more efficient LED light bulbs.
3. Take a mindful approach to transportation
Shift towards more fuel efficient automobiles, and maintain your vehicle by keeping it tuned-up with the tires properly inflated. According to their website about 1.2 billion gallons of gas can be saved each year when this advice is adhered to. Minimize air travel, take trains, car pool, ride bikes, and keep things local when you can.
4. Waste less food
The food industry expends a massive amount of energy by producing, preparing, and shipping food – much of which ends up as scraps in a landfill. Simply by being more efficient with the food you consume, energy can be saved.
5. Reduce your carbon footprint
Look into carbon offsets as an option for shrinking your carbon profile. It’s possible to buy offsets to help improve the overall situation. NRDC offers this webpage as a guide to learn more about this concept.
The following video sums up the current condition of the Great Barrier Reef this way:
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featured image from The Reef Beneath