What is the impact of global

warming on coral reefs?

Coral Bleaching
The most apparent and direct impact is
bleaching of corals.
Global warming results in increased sea
temperatures leading to coral polyps
expelling the zooxanthellae vital for their
survival.
The die-off of symbiotic algae turns the
corals white.

Ocean Acidification

Ocean acidification is caused by a decrease in

seawater pH because of absorption of the
excess atmospheric CO2.
This can render the calcium carbonate
exoskeletons of coral polyps less easy to build
and may complicate the reef formation
process and stability

Sea Level Rise

Rising sea levels is one of the impacts associated

with global warming which is the melting of polar
ice caps and glaciers.
Coral reefs often become stressed or submerged
as seas rise, therefore they become more
vulnerable to the damage of storms and coastal
development.

Disease Outbreaks and Reduced Reproductive

Higher sea temperatures can also make corals
more susceptible to diseases, which further
damages the reef ecosystems.
Global warming would also reduce
reproductive success in some coral species and
impact their ability to overcome stressors.