Answer to Question 1
Coral reefs are being threatened by bleaching (caused by increases in ocean temperature) and exploitation of reefs for fish, shellfish, and other sea life, in addition to tropical fish harvesting. Mangroves are being threatened by logging, coastal land development, and the development of shrimp ponds. The destruction of coral reefs and mangroves are linked to global climate change and the overexploitation of resources.
Answer to Question 2
(1) Climate change is a global storm,' one where the wealthy nations are able to shape what is done about it, possibly to the detriment of the poorer nations; (2) it is also an intergenerational storm, where the present generation has the power to affect future generations, who have no voice in the matter; (3) and third it is a theoretical storm, in that the climate change threat is unprecedented and lacks adequate moral theories to give guidance for appropriate actions. The precautionary principle, the polluter pays principle, and the equity principle are three ethical principles that speak to the moral issues.
Coral in the Pacific Ocean
Chelonia mydas swimming above Hawaiian coral reef.
Major trunk lines carrying long-distance traffic crisscrossed the area east of the Mississippi. The
Hurricane Destruction
Mangroves
Healthy and damaged coral reefs.