Ban Harmful Sunscreen Brands to Save Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are in serious danger and are dying out! We must take immediate action to save them. The foundation of marine life, these crucial ecosystems are constructed by corals. They provide essential habitats and sustain a variety of ecosystems. However, pollution, overfishing, and the catastrophic effects of climate change pose a serious threat to them. Globally, reefs are suffering irreversible damage from widespread coral bleaching brought on by rising water temperatures. More than half of the world's coral reefs have disappeared in the last three decades alone, and up to 90% could be lost within the next century if nothing is done. The rapid decline of natural coral reefs highlights the pressing need for prompt action to protect these irreplaceable ecosystems. Saving coral reefs is not just about preserving marine beauty it's also about protecting essential economic resources, especially for developing countries. Fisheries and tourism industries both heavily rely on healthy coral reefs. Coral reefs also serve as nurseries for commercial fish species that attract many tourists year-round. Furthermore, coral reefs provide crucial natural coastal protection to areas that are specifically vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes. To effectively protect coral reefs, major sunscreen brands like Banana Boat, Hawaiian Tropic, and Coppertone need to create safe alternatives and stop creating harmful sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and butylparaben, which are damaging to not only coral reefs but also pose risks to human skin. Sunscreen brands must begin to implement reef-safe practices in order to ensure the survival of the coral reefs and the key economic resources that come with them.
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