From the depths of the Great Barrier Reef to the tropics of the Hawaiian Islands, coral reefs remain a vital part not only of the ocean’s ecosystem, but also the world as a whole. Without them, the world as we know it will change. 

Coral reefs are located around the world in tropic locations, with Australia holding the world’s largest reef- The Great Barrier Reef. Reefs are colonies of coral that hold multiple ecosystems and are homes to hundreds of marine animals. The coral itself is a skeletal formation made up of tiny microorganisms called polyps. The polyps grow together and eventually form a colony, shaping these large, vibrant reefs. Coral has two major types, soft and hard. Hard coral produces a substance known as calcium carbonate, which is what forms the skeleton structures. 

Coral reefs have a significant role in the grand concept of the ocean. For example, reefs are a central habitat for hundreds of marine species. Reefs also provide a food source for bigger species such as sea turtles, as larger animals find smaller prey in the reefs. Not only that, but reefs also replenish local coastal communities, as a majority of fishermen look to reefs for their job. In addition, reefs shield the coastal communities during hurricanes and tropical storms, acting as a protective barrier. Tanvi Kundarapu, an IB junior, believes that coral reefs are important because they “provide a habitat for marine life, protect coastal communities, and lessen the erosion on shores caused by large waves.” Similarly, IB student Yahly Shisgal, believes coral reefs “provide a place for many different species to grow, and facilitates the growth of many species.” She explains: “It is important we protect reefs to ensure that all of the ocean species have a place to grow and thrive. If reef populations decrease, we will lose many valuable species.” 

In recent years, coral bleaching has become a major problem with long term effects. For starters, healthy coral is meant to be bright and colorful. Coral bleaching occurs due to several factors; the main reason being rising ocean temperatures.

Bleached coral, which is not dead coral, turns a ghostly white under extreme stress. Although the coral is not dead, bleached coral puts the organism at a higher risk for disease and death. Rates of bleached coral have been rising since 2010, and in 2023 and 2024, global bleaching events occurred. In terms of the many ecosystems that coral reefs nurture, many of them have started to disappear. Due to global rising temperatures that cause these bleaching events, if temperatures continue to rise, reefs are expected to die out. 

Protecting coral reefs requires a collective global effort. Many methods include reducing the release of atmospheric carbon, which contributes to rising global temperatures. On a local level, more people can attempt to take public transport to lessen their carbon footprint. However, mitigating rising temperatures requires government and national efforts with laws and regulations in place. 

To the average person, rising global temperatures and the presence of healthy coral reefs may not be a concern. However, one of the main issues regarding combating rising global temperatures is the fact that it is not a concern to the average person. Healthy coral reefs are essential to the proper function of the many ecosystems within the ocean, and essential to the coastal communities that rely on reefs. By informing the average person about these issues, one can hope to inspire more care about preserving the remaining healthy coral reefs, thus relieving the pressure of rising global temperatures.