Healthy Coral Reef in the Philippines
(Photo credit: queenkv @ flickr.com)
It's amazing how a rise in seawater temperature of just 2 degrees Celsius can cause so much damage do coral reefs. Marine biologists and environmental protection groups have been warning us for the past few years. Now, the matter has finally landed on news headlines.
Coral bleaching is no longer a scientific theory that one can choose to believe or not - it is a fact. Satellites have confirmed the rise in temperature in our sea waters; photographs and videos are proof that our corals are losing their color and dying.
This is not only affecting the biodiversity of our marine life, but it is also affecting our tourism industry as well. Once famous diving sites in our country located in Mindoro, Batangas and Quezon are now being avoided by tourists and divers because there aren't that many corals and other marine life to look at anymore.
What Should Be Our Response to Climate Change?
Dying Coral Reef in the Philippines
(Photo credit: Jun Acullador @ flickr.com)
Alright, global warming and climate change is having a clear negative impact on us right now. Unfortunately, there is not clear cut solution to solving this problem in the near future. It's not like we can stop our sea water from getting warmer like we can stop illegal loggers from logging or endangered species from dying.
Actually, we can't even stop illegal logging and hunting, so what more global warming? Yes, the Philippines is one of the greenest countries in Asia when it comes to using renewable energy. But there are other issues to take into consideration as well.
Toxic fumes from carbon emissions coming from our cars and factories, the constant burning of garbage and lack of recycling facilities, and many more bad habits need to be corrected if we want to make a positive impact when it comes to climate change and the protection of our marine life.
Sources:
- "RP Scientists Note Massive Bleaching of Coral Reefs" by Kristine L. Alave @ http://newsinfo.inquirer.net
- "Massive Coral Bleaching Threatens Coral Triangle Reefs @ http://wwf.org.ph
:( so sad. I went snorkeling around Calatagan some time last year and was so sad to see many white-as-bleach coral. Huge coral homes in fact. Could even feel it in the water that the temperature was so high... But I went snorkeling there again, same spot, this year and was pleasantly surprised to see that some of them were regaining some form of color again! Hints of purple and orange hues were surfacing. I'm hoping it is just a seasonal thing that happens to corals and that we will be able to be consistent about fighting against climate change. Not only do the things on the surface change but the specially seen wonders under water get affected too. Crazy...
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that the corals are starting to regain their color again. Hopefully, we'll also be able to protect them from illegal poaching.
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