Protect Our Oceans, Preserve Our Coral Reefs
The Issue
As a student deeply passionate about the natural world, I have always been captivated by the beauty and complexity of our ocean ecosystems. The vibrant coral reefs, in particular, have always held my fascination. However, it is heartbreaking to see these underwater paradises crumble due to human activities. One such activity is the use of sunscreens that contain chemicals harmful to coral reefs.
These sunscreens contribute significantly to harming our ocean. Separately, ocean acidification and coral bleaching are two other issues killing our reefs. Ocean acidification is caused by co2 in the atmosphere coming down to the ocean, where a chemical reaction happens causing the pH level to rise to a level that most sea life cannot withstand. Bleaching occurs when corals under stress expel the algae living in their tissues causing them to turn completely white, and the cause is from the rising temperatures in the ocean.
According to NOAA, sunscreen chemicals can affect many aquatic life. For example: Green Algae: Can impair growth and photosynthesis.
Coral: Accumulates in tissues. Can induce bleaching, damage DNA, deform young, and even kill.
Mussels: Can induce defects in young.
Sea Urchins: Can damage immune and reproductive systems, and deform young.
Fish: Can decrease fertility and reproduction, and cause female characteristics in male fish.
Dolphins: Can accumulate in tissue and be transferred to young..
This not only impacts biodiversity but also affects local communities who rely on these ecosystems for food and income.
The long-term effects are even more alarming as healthy coral reefs play a critical role in absorbing CO2 from our atmosphere - they're crucial allies against climate change.
We need legislation that makes it illegal for companies to produce sunscreens that harm our precious coral reefs. We must protect these vital ecosystems for future generations – not just because they're beautiful or because they support diverse marine life – but because we depend on them, too.
Please sign this petition urging lawmakers worldwide to ban harmful sunscreen production immediately!
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The Issue
As a student deeply passionate about the natural world, I have always been captivated by the beauty and complexity of our ocean ecosystems. The vibrant coral reefs, in particular, have always held my fascination. However, it is heartbreaking to see these underwater paradises crumble due to human activities. One such activity is the use of sunscreens that contain chemicals harmful to coral reefs.
These sunscreens contribute significantly to harming our ocean. Separately, ocean acidification and coral bleaching are two other issues killing our reefs. Ocean acidification is caused by co2 in the atmosphere coming down to the ocean, where a chemical reaction happens causing the pH level to rise to a level that most sea life cannot withstand. Bleaching occurs when corals under stress expel the algae living in their tissues causing them to turn completely white, and the cause is from the rising temperatures in the ocean.
According to NOAA, sunscreen chemicals can affect many aquatic life. For example: Green Algae: Can impair growth and photosynthesis.
Coral: Accumulates in tissues. Can induce bleaching, damage DNA, deform young, and even kill.
Mussels: Can induce defects in young.
Sea Urchins: Can damage immune and reproductive systems, and deform young.
Fish: Can decrease fertility and reproduction, and cause female characteristics in male fish.
Dolphins: Can accumulate in tissue and be transferred to young..
This not only impacts biodiversity but also affects local communities who rely on these ecosystems for food and income.
The long-term effects are even more alarming as healthy coral reefs play a critical role in absorbing CO2 from our atmosphere - they're crucial allies against climate change.
We need legislation that makes it illegal for companies to produce sunscreens that harm our precious coral reefs. We must protect these vital ecosystems for future generations – not just because they're beautiful or because they support diverse marine life – but because we depend on them, too.
Please sign this petition urging lawmakers worldwide to ban harmful sunscreen production immediately!
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Petition created on February 22, 2024