We are Killing our Reefs, Can We Prevent It?

Story by Aniya Burno. Photo from “Aljazeera”.

JAN. 27, 2020: We live in an age when many people litter on earth because they are “lazy”. It is said that around 14 million pounds of trash are thrown into the ocean each year killing our beautiful sea creatures, which adds to the terrible global warming. Over the past year, we’ve seen many dangerous wildfires burning our plants and trees. Our land animals, like Koala Bears, are close to being extinct because of recent Australian wildfires due to global warming.

Did you know that around 70% of the world's oxygen comes from the ocean? Land plants only make up one-third of our oxygen. When we pollute the ocean, we're killing our coral reefs. Without that 70%, we are on our own, not only that but we are damaging the homes of the sea creatures that live in the coral reefs. We need them more than they need us, so why kill off the sources we need the most?

We have lost 50% of our coral reefs within the last three decades. Therefore coral reefs will be completely gone by 2050 if we don't try to make a change. There are many groups of people trying to replant coral reefs in the ocean and others giving away free reef balls for people’s boat docks. We still can play a role and help by raising awareness and getting people to donate money so that people can afford more equipment to replant coral reefs. 

Next time you litter just think about the fact that you’re adding to pollution and killing the world even more. Instead, just go to a trash can. There’s always trash cans nearby. You can be an even bigger help by using community service hours to pick up the garbage in your school area. We still have time to help the earth so don't give up!

Aniya Burno is a junior at Friendship Tech Prep Academy.