Class Activity I-ENS 205-Spring 2023

What is the Great Barrier Reef?

• A collection of underwater caves in the Pacific Ocean

• The largest living structure on Earth made up of coral and other marine organisms

• A river in the Amazon rainforest

What is the main cause of coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef?

• Ocean pollution from plastics and other waste

• Overfishing and destructive fishing practices

• Rising ocean temperatures due to climate change

What is the main factor responsible for the increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere? 

• Deforestation 

• Burning fossil fuels 

• Agriculture 

How does coral bleaching occur?

• When corals become physically damaged from storms or other natural disasters

• When ocean acidity levels rise, making it difficult for corals to survive

• When corals expel the algae that give them their color and nutrients, often due to stress from warming waters

What role do scientists play in monitoring the health of the Great Barrier Reef?

• They conduct regular surveys to assess the coral's health and monitor changes over time.

• They work with policymakers and stakeholders to develop strategies for protecting the reef.

• They educate the public about the importance of coral reefs and the threats they face.

What is the biggest threat to the long-term survival of the Great Barrier Reef?

• Overfishing and destructive fishing practices

• Ocean pollution from plastics and other waste

• Climate change, which is causing ocean temperatures to rise and acidification to occur

What are some of the economic benefits of the Great Barrier Reef?

• It provides habitat for a wide variety of marine life, including commercially valuable fish and shellfish.

• It attracts millions of tourists each year, who contribute billions of dollars to the Australian economy.

• It plays an important role in climate regulation, helping to stabilize global weather patterns.

What is the significance of the 2016 Paris Agreement?

• It established a framework for international cooperation to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• It created a global market for carbon trading, which allows countries to offset their emissions by investing in clean energy projects in other countries.

• It provided funding to help countries adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and more frequent extreme.

How does ocean warming affect the behavior of fish on the Great Barrier Reef?

• It makes them more aggressive and territorial.

• It makes them more susceptible to disease and predation.

• It causes them to migrate to cooler waters, which can disrupt the ecosystem.

How does the Great Barrier Reef act as a natural buffer against storms and erosion?

• Its complex structure helps to dissipate the energy of waves and currents, protecting coastlines.

• It absorbs excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps to mitigate climate change impacts.

• It provides habitat for a wide variety of marine life, which helps to maintain biodiversity.