The fate of coral reefs at stake as key UN talks begin in Egypt: New coalition urges action to save reefs. (2018, November 13). Retrieved November 17, 2018, from https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/press-release/fate-coral-reefs-stake-key-un-talks-begin-egypt-new-coalition-urges
Representatives from over 100 countries that are parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity met in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt on November 12 to save coral reefs. Their goal was to start a two year process that includes a global plan to protect coral reefs. They are trying to combat global warming and ocean acidification, as well as other dangers to coral reefs including over-fishing, pollution, and coastal development. It would be very difficult to erase all the damage that has been done to coral reefs, but there is hope that some will be able to recover from bleaching if the ocean temperature is stabilized.
So much damage has been done to coral reefs and it is only getting worse, so it is very important that representatives from multiple countries are meeting to create a solution. The extinction of coral reefs is a global issue, and will need the support from multiple governments to be able to make a difference. This two year process needs to include a way to stabilize the ocean temperature, which requires reducing the causes of global warming. This means that many countries will need to drastically change many practices that contribute to global warming.
Coral reefs are known to be some of the most biologically diverse areas in our world. They are home to so many species, and to some, they are their only home. Increasing global temperature has led many of these reefs to bleach and lose life completely. This is exactly why it is important to have meetings like the one you wrote about. World leaders need to come together and find methods to protect the reefs of our world.
What do you think is a next step in saving our reefs?
I think the next step is for all of the areas with coral reefs to adapt solutions that some areas are already doing such as the ban of certain sunscreens and strengthening coral in the lab to resist bleaching.