ACADEMIC WRITING PROJECT

SUBMITTED TO: MS. RISHIKA KAUSHIK

 ARE YOU READY TO TAKE A PLUNGE INTO
THE MESMERIZING DEPTHS OF OUR
OCEANS? BUCKLE UP, BECAUSE
TOGETHER , WE’RE DIVING HEADFIRST
INTO THE WONDERS OF THE DEEP BLUE…

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under

CC BY-SA
I M A G I N E Y O U R S U M M E R V A C AY D E S T I N AT I O N L O O K S L I K E T H I S N O W…

BEFORE AFTER
INTRODUCTION
• "Chasing Coral" is a captivating documentary available on Netflix
that dives deep into the world's oceans, unraveling the heartbreaking
reality of coral bleaching and its impact on marine ecosystems.
Through stunning visuals and passionate storytelling, the film
follows a team of scientists, photographers, and divers as they
embark on a thrilling and urgent quest to document disappearing
coral reefs. Their journey not only showcases the mesmerizing
beauty of these underwater wonders but also highlights the pressing
need for global awareness and conservation efforts. Prepare to be
awe-inspired and enlightened as we explore the fragile yet vibrant
world beneath the ocean's surface in "Chasing Coral."
 RICHARD VEVERS

• Richard Vevers is the founder and CEO of The Ocean Agency, an

ocean conservation non-profit accelerating ocean science and
conservation through big ideas, creative communication, and
powerful collaboration. He is a fellow of The Explorers Club and an
Adjunct Professor at the University of Rhode Island.

• After years of working in top marketing agencies in London,

Richard Vevers had a simple idea; Why not create an agency for the
ocean? With that simple thought, The Ocean Agency was born. It
plays a unique role in creating greater demand and support for ocean
science and conservation. It’s what’s so urgently needed to
understand and protect the source of life on Earth.
 THESIS
STATEMENT
The film “Chasing Coral” is
a transforming call to
conscience in the face of
ecological calamity because
it effectively emphasises the
urgent need for international
action to safeguard the
vulnerable ecosystems.
 CLAIM
CORAL REEFS ARE VANISHING AT
AN ALARMING RATE:

It is predicted that if nothing changes, by

2034 there will be severe bleaching events
every year, and by the end of the century
every reef in the world will bleach.
EVIDENCE
Irrefutable Evidence of Decline: -Visual
Documentation:
Between 2014 – 2017, Chasing Coral
captured the most severe bleaching event in
recorded history. During these years, 75% of
corals suffered or died from heat stress
brought on by climate change. "Chasing
Coral" presents powerful time-lapse sequences
and underwater footage that vividly capture the
process of coral bleaching and subsequent
decay. These visual records serve as undeniable
evidence of the rapid decline of coral reefs,
leaving viewers with a lasting impression of
the ecological crisis.
 EVALUATION
• The claim that coral reefs are vanishing at an alarming rate is
supported by compelling evidence from "Chasing Coral." The
documentary's visual documentation, spanning 2014-2017, reveals
the most severe bleaching event in recorded history, where 75% of
corals suffered or died due to climate change-induced heat stress.
Through powerful time-lapse sequences and underwater footage,
"Chasing Coral" provides irrefutable proof of the rapid decline of
coral reefs. If current trends continue, the prediction of severe
bleaching events annually by 2034 and eventual global reef
bleaching by the century's end becomes a stark reality. This
evidence, presented visually, underscores the urgency for immediate
action to mitigate this ecological crisis.
 CLAIM
ALTERED OCEAN CURRENTS ( A
RESULT OF CLIMATE CHANGE) IS THE
PROMINENT CULPRIT BEHIND CORAL
REEF BLEACHING, DUE TO THEIR
DIRECT INFLUENCE ON SEA
TEMPERATURE AND NUTRIENT
DISTRIBUTION.
 EVIDENCE
Altered ocean currents : leads
to changes in connectivity and
temperature regimes that
contribute to lack of food for
corals and hampers dispersal
of coral larvae. Ocean
acidification (a result of
increased CO2): causes a
reduction in pH levels which
decreases coral growth and
structural integrity.
 EVALUATION
• The claim that altered ocean currents, a
consequence of climate change, are the
primary culprit behind coral reef
bleaching stands firm in the face of
compelling evidence. Altered ocean
currents disrupt connectivity and
temperature regimes, leading to a lack of
food for corals and hindering the
dispersal of coral larvae. Concurrently,
ocean acidification resulting from
increased CO2 levels lowers pH levels,
impeding coral growth and
compromising structural integrity. This
evidence underscores the critical role of
climate-induced changes in ocean
circulation and acidity, highlighting the
urgent need for comprehensive global
action to mitigate these impacts and
preserve our invaluable coral reef
ecosystems. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
CLAIM
Limiting global average
temperature to well below 2°C
above pre-industrial levels and
pursuing efforts to limit the
temperature increase to 1.5°C is the
only chance for the survival of
coral reefs globally
 EVIDENCE
• With reference to the Paris
Agreement on climate change if the
measures to curb down the global
temperature is well practiced we are
likely to see a decrease in
atmospheric carbon concentrations.
This will improve conditions for the
survival of reefs, and enable other
measures to rescue reefs to be
successful. Other measures alone,
such as addressing local pollution and
destructive fishing practices, cannot
save coral reefs without stabilized
greenhouse gas emissions. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
 EVALUATION
• The claim that limiting global average
temperature rise to below 2°C, with efforts to
restrict it to 1.5°C, represents the coral reefs' sole
survival chance is robustly supported by evidence
from the Paris Agreement. Implementing these
measures promises a reduction in atmospheric
carbon concentrations, a vital step toward
enhancing reef survival conditions. Crucially,
stabilizing greenhouse gas emissions is pivotal;
localized efforts addressing pollution and fishing
practices, while valuable, cannot rescue coral
reefs without curbing global temperature rise.
This evidence emphasizes the paramount
importance of adhering to climate targets outlined
in the Paris Agreement, serving as a beacon for
global initiatives striving to safeguard these
invaluable ecosystems.
CITATIONS

• 1. Title Slide:
- "Chasing Coral" (Netflix Documentary)
- Directed by Jeff Orlowski
- Release Year: 2017
• 2. Introduction Slide:
- Orlowski, Jeff, director. "Chasing Coral." Netflix, 2017.
• 3. Remaining Slides:
- "Chasing Coral: The Issue." Chasing Coral,
www.chasingcoral.com/the-issue.
 SUMMARY
"Chasing Coral" stands as a poignant testament to the
urgent ecological challenges our planet faces. Through
its mesmerizing visuals, scientific accuracy, and
compelling narratives, the documentary has successfully
illuminated the fragile beauty of coral reefs and the
imminent threats they endure due to climate change

"Chasing Coral" is not just a film; it is a call to action. It

implores us to advocate for change, to be mindful of our This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC

ecological footprint, and to stand as guardians of the natural

world. The stories of resilience and determination portrayed
in the documentary serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us
that collective efforts can indeed make a difference.

Chasing Coral" Impact:

• Emotional Connection
• Call to Action: Urges viewers to advocate, change behaviors,
and support conservation efforts.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-ND This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC