Coral Bleaching (Week 8) - Post 3

Coral Bleaching - My Thoughts 

           This week was especially hard to do because I love the ocean so much. I enjoyed learning about the coral's anatomy and how it coexists with other species, but the evidence of so much death made me sad. This, even more then the ice, is an indicator of the disastrous effects of global warming. And what makes it even worse is that most people are oblivious. Including me, before I started this course I knew about climate change and how it was bad for the environment, but I had never even considered the effects it might have on the ocean, or just how many people coral reefs are a source of food for. And even more then that, I hadn't realized that its actually almost too late. Most of the coral near America is dead, gone. the effects of global climate change are real, and it is disappointing that for so many reasons, most of the world is oblivious to it. 
          This week's learning was very straight forward. the documentary presented the facts and visuals very well, they really left nothing out. However, the one thing I feel wasn't addressed deeply enough is how air temperature warming causes ocean temperatures to warm so much. I know that the ocean absorbs a high percentage of carbon dioxide and that increases ocean acidity levels, but that's not what causes it to warm. Data trends and scientific fact speak for themselves that air warming, which is due to humans, causes ocean warming, but I'd just like to see the scientific explanation behind how air warming causes ocean warming. It seems fairly obvious, but I feel it's also complex at the same time.   

Comments

  1. Ms. DunleyApril 17, 2018 at 1:21 PM

    When I think about what we are doing to the oceans, I become sick. It is so hard to believe. I appreciate that by reading your blog, I am armed with more facts and statistics to use on climate science deniers. You have been a great "teacher" this semester!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. neve stegerApril 18, 2018 at 11:43 AM

      Thank you! I am just really enjoying being able to study the topic I am most interested. I really appreciate that this class has given me that opportunity.

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