Assess the impact of global warming on the coral life system with examples.

Coral reefs are formed by the symbiotic relationship of polyps and zooxanthellae. They are termed as the 'rainforest of the oceans'.

They are considered to be at the epicenter of marine ecology due to the following :

(i) Supports large number of marine species - as habitat. (ii) Major producer of nutrients for the marine species. (iii) Acts as indicator of ocean health. (iv) Protects and prevents species from hazards.

However, they have been threatened by plethora of causes.

Natural causes → Disasters such as cyclones and earthquakes

Anthropogenic causes

(i) Global warming due to increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Global warming also alters the homeostasis of the corals.

(ii) Overfishing and bottom trawling damaging the corals.

(iii) Pollution of oceans - plastic dumping, oil spills and surface run-off damaging the corals.

(iv) Use of coral reefs to manufacture limestone.

Measures to prevent the damages and restore health

(i) Fulfilling the NDC targets, reducing emissions and moving towards net-zero.

(ii) Use of technology to restore corals (Eg) Biorock technology.

(iii) Reservation of coral reefs by declaring them protected.