Why We Should Care: Economy and Culture

There is no need to convince most people who enjoy coral reefs in Hawaii, and the fish they provide home to, of their inherent value. Many people would agree that the Hawaiian reef ecosystems and the tremendous biodiversity and endemism they house are priceless in their own right. Even then, NOAA surveyed over 3,000 households across America and estimated Hawaii’s coral reef ecosystems to be valued at $33.57 billion per a year in America alone (NOAA, 2011). The study was based off of people’s willingness to pay for preservation. Further, the reef ecosystems are credited with generating $364 million a year from recreation, increased property value, and other factors (HCRI, 2002). One way that everyone may benefit from the tremendous biodiversity of Hawaii's coral reef ecosystems is through the discovery of compounds that may be used for medicinal purposes.

Hawaiian coral reef ecosystems are not only economically valuable, but also incredibly important to Native Hawaiian culture. According to the HCRI the Hawaiian "creation chant placed coral reef as the foundation of life" (2002). Further, millions of Americans have been enchanted by surfing, which started long ago in Hawaii. Some of the most epic waves, such as Pipeline - perhaps the most famous wave in the world - are created by Hawaii’s coral reefs. 

Author's note:

After researching the current and projected future states of Hawaii's coral reef ecosystems, the rainforests of the sea, it has become clear to me that we know very well what will be the consequences of our consumption of fossil fuels should we not change our ways of living. That is the destruction of these beautiful habitats. I believe that scientists should live double lives, one in academia and the other in the public. We need to keep reiterating the immediacy of the issue of climate change, and to keep encouraging people to act.

What I believe is the best response to climate change is living a more simple life. This entails taking shorter showers, keeping the heat a few degrees lower than one may otherwise, not eating meat, eating locally produced food, and riding a bicycle.