Note: This article is authored by the content team at Coral Warriors.
Climate Change is intensifying with every passing day. As of early 2016, the global average surface temperature rose 1.5 degrees Celsius, and the rate of temperature increase has nearly doubled in the last 50 years. If the current emissions trends continue unchecked in the coming decades, scientists predict global warming could further undermine the planet’s ability to support life. The evidence of which can be corroborated with a mass extinction, specifically the death of Coral Reefs and other sensitive habitats.
The vital task on hand is to do everything within our capability to create a planet that provides a home for all life on Earth. ‘Coral Warriors’ is one such initiative to tackle the threats faced by a coral ecosystem. Pioneered by Vidhi Bubna, Coral Warriors is India’s first-ever diving grant. It aims to get more people to witness coral damage first-hand and work on their own research projects. The grant recipients get the opportunity to complete the first level of diving certification in any location across the globe. Coral Warriors supports applicants who specifically want to do something about climate change as well as experience scuba diving.
Bubna is a certified coral conservationist and rescue dive. It was on one of her dives that her perspective about coral damage changed. She observed the colours draining out of her favourite diving destination, which confirmed what she already knew coral bleaching was real. It was happening a lot faster than ever imagined. Bleaching occurs when corals are under stress due to abnormal temperature variations and acidification. It was then that she founded Coral Warriors, intending to involve the youth in climate initiatives. Moreover, her personal experience diving made her realise that it is a privilege that only a few can experience. This is why Bubna wanted to make this experience accessible to others.
Corals are an integral part of the ocean ecosystem and are the most prominent structures of biological origin on Earth. They help determine the overall health of oceans and act as a litmus test. Despite occupying less than 5% of oceans, coral reefs provide a home for about 1/4 of marine species. The corals themselves are tiny invertebrate polyps that act like farmers—sheltering colourful single-celled algae that convert sunlight into food. These polyps together form colonies and build a limestone skeleton to live- that is the reefs.
Corals thrive in warm water, but they are susceptible to extra heat. With the rise in ocean temperature rises, the algae begin producing toxins. The corals then expel the algae in self-defence, turning them ghostly white. If water temperatures drop soon enough, the algae rebloom, and the corals survive. If not, they may succumb to starvation and disease.
The changes human activity is causing are so rapid that it is not entirely clear that coral species will keep up. And, If current trends continue, some scientists predict that the oceans will be largely stripped of reefs by 2048.
Some of the most colourful and vibrant life in the ocean could be lost, along with colossal income generated from reef tourism, leading to a humanitarian crisis. Hundreds of millions of people source their food primarily from reefs, and the loss of that food supply could become a calamity.
“Coral Warriors aim to spread awareness about corals as an underwater ecosystem to preserve the unique relationship between plants and animals that have existed for 485 million years”, says Bubna.
Many documentaries like Chasing Coral and Seaspiracy have documented these consequences. Chasing Coral took over three years to shoot, created from 500+ hours of underwater footage and coral bleaching submissions from volunteers in 30 countries. They brought together hundreds of people and their stories to inspire politicians to pass relevant legislation, mobilise voters, empower youth activists.
“Just as Indians are at the helm of the tech revolution and spearheading innovation worldwide, we aim to create enough awareness for Indians to be leading the Climate Change Initiatives”, says Bubna.
Deep-sea diving is an aspirational adventure sport. The grant makes it accessible for candidates willing to improve the marine ecosystem. The grant worth INR 70,000 is intended to cover course cost, stay and travel to most locations around India. The organisation supports candidates irrespective of their caste, class, creed, gender, race, or other factors. When selected, the Coral Warrior goes through the basics of scuba diving and lessons on the marine conservancy. Importantly, it gives them agency over their future and the ability to learn and act on a global climate crisis. The organisation also benefits from donors who are passionate about underwater scuba education and climate change.
