LYRICS
Ocean acidification
Change in circulation
Shifts in distributions
Mortality by bleach
(1. Mothers, what do we teach/)
(2. Fathers, what do we teach/)
(3. Children, what do we teach/)
Coral reef grief
Reaches the beach
Children,
What do we teach?
Coral reef grief
In disbelief
Coral reef grief
Reaches the beach
Stressed and susceptible
Skeletons gone weak
Our ways unsustainable
Man has passed his peak
Our prominence in disturbance
Doesn’t give ’em half a chance
… not half a chance
And, the tide rolls in
The tide rolls out
And, there’s no doubt
Coral reef grief
Our prominence in disturbance
Doesn’t give ’em half a chance
- Coral-Grief-Part-I.mp3 (unplugged to conserve energy)
- Coral-Grief-Part-II.mp3 (also unplugged)
- Coral-Grief-Part-III.mp3
- 240214_0692-Coral-Grief-Part-III-Instrumental.mp3
- Coral-Grief-LH-Casio-WK-3500.MID (Left Hand / also controlled Korg PS60)
- Coral-Grief-RH-Yamaha-PSR-740.MID (Right Hand / also controlled microKorg and miniNOVA vocorder)
Chords: C Dm / C F G / G F# F C / G Am / G F# F C / C Dm / Dm G / G F# F C; Part III Reggae-Latin-House @ 90 Beats Per Minute
Instrumentation: Vocals (TC-Helicon VOICELIVE and MiniNova Vocorder), Ibanez Acoustic Guitar (AW54CE), Ibanez Electric RG-270 (Boss Digital Delay), Fender Jazz Bass (Boss Digital Delay), Keyboards (Korg PS60, Casio WK-3500, Yamaha PSR-740, MiniNova, MicroKorg)
ABOUT THE SONG
These lyrics poignantly address the impacts of climate change on coral reefs, specifically highlighting the phenomenon of ocean acidification, changes in circulation patterns, shifts in species distributions, and the devastating consequences of coral bleaching. The inclusion of parenthetical questions directed at mothers, fathers, and children suggests a plea for reflection on the responsibilities and lessons passed down through generations regarding environmental stewardship.
The repeated refrain of “Coral reef grief reaches the beach” underscores the profound and far-reaching consequences of coral degradation, reaching not only the underwater ecosystems but also impacting human communities connected to these environments. The plea to children emphasizes the importance of imparting knowledge and responsibility for the protection of coral reefs.
The lines “Stressed and susceptible, Skeletons gone weak, Our ways unsustainable, Man has passed his peak” draw attention to the vulnerability of coral reefs in the face of human-induced disturbances, stressing the urgency for sustainable practices to prevent irreversible damage.
The mention of the tide rolling in and out with “no doubt” signifies the inevitability of the changes occurring in coral reefs. The repeated acknowledgment of “Coral reef grief” serves as a somber recognition of the sorrowful state of these ecosystems and the human role in their decline.
The concluding lines, “Our prominence in disturbance, Doesn’t give ’em half a chance,” convey a powerful message about the need for responsible and sustainable actions to provide a fighting chance for coral reefs against the disturbances brought about by human activities. The lyrics poetically capture the urgency and gravity of the situation, calling for reflection, responsibility, and immediate action to preserve these vital marine ecosystems.
ABOUT THE SCIENCE
Coral reefs confront unprecedented challenges arising from various stressors, many of which are directly tied to human activities. Some of these stressors possess critical tipping points, surpassing which can lead to the collapse of coral ecosystems. According to the European Geosciences Union’s statement on January 2, 2024, specific tipping points include a temperature increase of 1.2℃ above pre-industrial levels and atmospheric CO2 concentrations exceeding 350 parts per million. Disturbingly, as of February 2024, the Earth’s yearly average temperature has already risen to +1.5℃, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate-related threats to coral reefs.
Climate change is having significant and detrimental effects on coral reefs around the world. Some of the key impacts include:
- Coral Bleaching:
- One of the most immediate and visible impacts of climate change on coral reefs is coral bleaching. Elevated sea temperatures cause corals to expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living within their tissues. Without these algae, corals lose their vibrant colors and become more susceptible to stress, disease, and death. While corals can recover from mild bleaching events, severe or prolonged bleaching can lead to widespread coral mortality.
- Ocean Acidification:
- Increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere not only contribute to global warming but also lead to ocean acidification. The absorption of excess CO2 by the oceans results in a decrease in pH, making the water more acidic. This acidification can weaken coral skeletons and hinder the ability of corals to build and maintain their calcium carbonate structures.
- Sea Level Rise:
- Rising global temperatures contribute to the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, causing sea levels to rise. Elevated sea levels can lead to increased stress on coral reefs, especially those located in shallow waters. This can result in reduced sunlight reaching the corals and increased sedimentation, impacting their growth and survival.
- Extreme Weather Events:
- Climate change is linked to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and cyclones. These events can physically damage coral reefs by causing coral breakage, dislodgment, and destruction of the reef structure. The recovery time for damaged reefs is often extended, making them more vulnerable to subsequent disturbances.
- Changes in Ocean Circulation:
- Climate change can alter ocean currents and circulation patterns. Changes in water flow can affect the distribution of nutrients and impact the resilience of coral reefs. Some regions may experience altered temperature regimes, nutrient imbalances, and disruptions in the supply of food sources for corals and their associated ecosystems.
- Shifts in Coral Species Distribution:
- As sea temperatures change and habitats are modified, the distribution of coral species may shift. Some species may migrate to cooler waters, while others may struggle to adapt or face local extinctions. These shifts can disrupt the balance of ecosystems and affect the biodiversity associated with coral reefs.
The cumulative impact of these climate-related stressors poses a severe threat to coral reefs worldwide. It’s crucial to address the root causes of climate change and implement conservation measures to enhance the resilience of coral ecosystems. Protection of coral reefs involves both local and global efforts, including sustainable fishing practices, marine protected areas, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting coral reef restoration initiatives.
Coral reef ecosystems can be influenced by several feedback loops that contribute to reaching tipping points. These feedback loops often involve interactions between various environmental stressors and the responses of coral reefs.
Mitigating these feedback loops requires comprehensive conservation strategies, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing sustainable fishing practices, establishing marine protected areas, and addressing local stressors to enhance the resilience of coral reefs.
What Can I Do?
Our climate model uses chaos theory in an attempt to adequately account for humans and forecasts a global average temperature increase of 9℃ above pre-industrial levels. Everybody has the responsibility not to pollute. There are plenty of things you can do to help save the planet. Stop using fossil fuels. Consume less. Love more. Here is a list of additional actions you can take.
— from Coral Reefs’ Tipping Point / Brouse (2024)
ExperiMental Music: The music and lyrics are written and recorded extemporaneously. Extemporaneous, spontaneous, improvisation, jamming, freestyle, and impromptu music are most closely related to pure chaos. The music and lyrics evolve from the “sensitive initial conditions” similar to “a butterfly flapping its wings in China causing a hurricane in the Atlantic.”
Music as a Universal Language: Music has the power to communicate emotions universally. Certain melodies, harmonies, or rhythms can evoke specific feelings that resonate with people across different cultures and backgrounds.
The Science of Chaos Theory, String Theory, and Music