General Assembly: Death of Coral Reef

Chair Names: Liliana Smolen, Celia Walsh, & Mia Costa

Committee Overview

In this committee, delegates will be expected to be well researched and prepared to present creative solutions with the mindset of collaboration and compromise. The energy of the committee will be focused and urgent as this is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. The disturbing truth of our current climate situation has led to this committee's need to come to a global consensus. From restricting fossil fuel emissions to instituting new marine protected areas (MPAs), this committee strives to reach a collaborative solution that encompasses preventative measures and ones to address the current effects of climate change on coral reefs. Coral reefs are one of the most delicate ecosystems globally, especially as biodiversity decreases due to increased temperature, acidification, and overfishing. Thus, as anthropogenic climate change becomes a more prevalent conversation in our society, it is time to consider other life forms beyond humankind.

While only 1% of our ocean is made up of coral reefs, that small percentage of the area hosts 25% of the ocean’s biodiversity. This jarring statistic illustrates how crucial coral reefs are to the health of the entire ocean ecosystem. As time goes by, more and more coral reefs are dying. Coral bleaching events have been occurring since 1998; since then, there have been 5 mass bleaching events, the most recent in 2024. If the current global warming trends continue, it is estimated that 90% of the coral reefs will be dead by 2050. Coral reefs will likely become extinct in the future, affecting not only marine life but the human diet, as fish will be affected.

Background Guide (Will be attached soon)