What is one consequence of climate change on coral reefs?

One significant consequence of climate change on coral reefs is coral bleaching due to temperature changes. When ocean temperatures rise, corals experience stress that leads them to expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living within their tissues. These algae are crucial for coral health as they provide nutrients through photosynthesis and impart the corals' vibrant colors. When the algae are expelled, the corals lose their color and, more importantly, their primary food source. This bleaching can ultimately lead to coral death if the stressors persist and the corals are unable to recover. Coral bleaching not only affects the corals themselves but also disrupts the entire ecosystem that relies on healthy coral reefs for habitat and food. As such, this phenomenon highlights the vulnerability of coral ecosystems to climate change and emphasizes the critical need for conservation efforts to mitigate these impacts.