Over the last ten years marine scientists have been warning about the damaging effect of global warming on coral reef systems.

 

If you Google "global warming and coral reefs" you can read detailed studies documenting the death of coral reefs as far back as 2004, projecting future declines, many of which have occurred since then.

 

1998 was the warmest year on record, and the first eight months of 2010 have matched 1998, when over 15% of the world's shallow water reefs died.

 

Coral reefs depend on a specialized form of algae which lives in the coral producing food. This algae also gives corals their spectacular colors.

 

When water temperature rises, the algae produce toxin, causing the coral to expel them, resulting in coral bleaching. Deprived of its main food source, the coral weakens, becomes susceptible to disease and eventually starves to death. Major storms like hurricanes and monsoons suck heat from the ocean, bringing some cooling and relief, allowing the coral to recover. Unfortunately, most coral will not recover from extended bleaching.