Coral Bleaching

Location

A 152

Document Type

Presentation

Type

EnACT

Start Date

11-4-2018 11:15 AM

End Date

11-4-2018 11:45 AM

Abstract

Life underwater is taken for granted. Aquariums around the world show the beauty of millions of years of evolution underwater. The beauty of this aquatic world is at risk though. Climate change is ravaging the habitats and affecting the species that call the oceans their home. Due to elevated emissions of greenhouse gases, the temperatures of the world's bodies of water are increasing to unhealthy numbers. Coral bleaching is an indicator that shows this. Coral forms a symbiotic relationship with algae, and increased water temperatures cause this relationship to cease. The algae separates from the coral, causing the coral to lose its color, effectively being "bleached."

Our group is developing a policy that will target the root of this issue: greenhouse gas emissions. Industry accounts for 21% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the US, being the third largest source behind transportation and electricity. By introducing a smart and effective carbon tax, we can limit the amount of greenhouse gas emitted by factories and industry in the United States.

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Apr 11th, 11:15 AM Apr 11th, 11:45 AM

Coral Bleaching

A 152

Life underwater is taken for granted. Aquariums around the world show the beauty of millions of years of evolution underwater. The beauty of this aquatic world is at risk though. Climate change is ravaging the habitats and affecting the species that call the oceans their home. Due to elevated emissions of greenhouse gases, the temperatures of the world's bodies of water are increasing to unhealthy numbers. Coral bleaching is an indicator that shows this. Coral forms a symbiotic relationship with algae, and increased water temperatures cause this relationship to cease. The algae separates from the coral, causing the coral to lose its color, effectively being "bleached."

Our group is developing a policy that will target the root of this issue: greenhouse gas emissions. Industry accounts for 21% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the US, being the third largest source behind transportation and electricity. By introducing a smart and effective carbon tax, we can limit the amount of greenhouse gas emitted by factories and industry in the United States.