Assess the impact of global warming on coral life systems with examples. (UPSC 2019)

Global warming is one of the gravest threats to coral life systems. Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification weaken corals, trigger bleaching and reduce their ability to grow, reproduce and survive.

• Bleaching and mortality: Heat stress makes corals expel symbiotic algae, cutting their energy supply. Repeated events now leave little time for recovery, causing large-scale deaths.
• Slower reef building: Acidic oceans reduce calcium carbonate, so skeletons become weaker and reef growth slows.
• Ecosystem collapse: Coral loss reduces fish habitat, biodiversity and coastal protection, and can shift reefs to algae-dominated systems.
• Examples: The Great Barrier Reef has faced repeated mass bleaching. In India, Lakshadweep and the Gulf of Mannar have seen sharp coral decline due to heat stress.

Thus, global warming is not only damaging coral reefs but also the livelihoods, fisheries and natural shields of millions. Cutting emissions and protecting reefs are both essential.