Evaluating Human Impact on the Environment
Purpose
In this assignment, you will use, evaluate, and improve a simulation to highlight human impact on coral
reef ecosystems. Then you will propose and evaluate real-world solutions to reduce the negative effects
of human activity on this ecosystem and its biodiversity.
Background Information
Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. They contain millions of species, both
known and unknown. Not only are coral reefs important to organisms such as sharks and sea turtles, they
are also important to the survival of 800 species of hard corals and 4,000 species of fish. Coral reefs
provide benefits to humans as well. Some people who make a living by fishing catch and sell fish that live
in these ecosystems. Coral reefs provide income to those who work in the tourism industry because
people visit coral reefs to dive and snorkel. Coral reefs also protect coastal areas from the effects of
waves and erosion. Finally, scientists believe that substances made by organisms in this ecosystem can
be used in medicines.
Before the spread of industry, Earth’s oceans had an average pH of 8.2. During the Industrial Age, energy
began to be generated from the burning of fossil fuels. As these processes became more sophisticated,
more uses for fossil fuels were discovered. When fossil fuels are burned, carbon dioxide is released into
the atmosphere. About one-fourth of the carbon dioxide released is absorbed by the ocean. This causes
the pH of the ocean to decrease. It is estimated that the pH of the ocean will decrease to an average of
7.6 by the year 2100 if nothing is done to counteract the effects of human activity.

d) How would you revise the simulation so users can evaluate the role of human activity in the
pH of the ocean?
e) What variables would you add to or change in the simulation to accomplish this?
Part II: Read the text below, and then answer the questions.
Corals, the basic structures of coral reefs, are affected by the increasing acidity (decreasing pH) of the
oceans. When the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide, the carbon dioxide reacts with water and other
substances to form carbonic acid. This process uses substances in the ocean that corals use to build
their skeletons. So, the more carbon dioxide there is in the ocean, the harder it is for corals to build their
skeletons. Ocean acidification can also destroy existing coral reefs.
1. Give two possible ways that negative human impact on the pH of Earth’s oceans can be reduced.
2. Conduct research to learn more about your proposed solutions. Be sure to look up information
about cost, safety, reliability, and social or cultural implications when applicable. What are the
pros of each solution? What are the cons of each solution?