Earth has a natural warming effect due to the greenhouse gases (eg. carbon dioxide, water vapour) called greenhouse effect. However, with the rapid increase amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants due to the burning of fossil fuels for energy, enhanced greenhouse effect has resulted. This has lead to global warming – the increase in Earth’s surface temperature. In addition, it suggests a population problem too. An increase in population kicks up energy usage and hence rises the demand for energy.
One major impact of global warming is the warming of waters and ocean acidification. According to National Geographic, the temperature of the waters has risen by 0.1 °C and acidity of the oceans has risen by 30%. Under these conditions, survival and growth of giant clams juveniles are reduced. Giant clams also grow up to be more vulnerable to predators due to a reduction in shell density. These unsuitable conditions for the juveniles, together with their late sexual maturity, reduces the ability for the giant clams to naturally replenish their populations.