most vulnerable regions. This rise in and temperature causes an imbalance in the Samoan reef ecosystem in a myriad of ways, which will be described below. Ocean Acidification Since 1750, the acidity of the ocean has increased by 30%. An increase in ocean acidification destabilizes Samoan reefs by impacting crustose corraline algae, a calcareous species that consolidates and cements reefs together. A reduction in coral calcification impairs coral growth and density, increasing vulnerability to erosion and damage. The increase in acidification also makes it difficult for clams in all stages of life to grow their shells, and for the larvae of corral reef fish to grow, survive, and make it back to the reef. It is projected that by 2060, the aragonite (CaCO3) saturation state that is crucial to coral growth will fall below the optimal threshold of 4.0 to 3.5, and continue deteriorating in the future. Rising Water Temperatures The oceans absorb much of the heat caused due to increase in global temperature. Waters in American Samoa have risen 1.8F in the past 30 years, and are projected to increase 4.7F by 2090. Extreme temperature events, also known as heatwaves, have also increased in frequency. Coupled with the rise in ocean temperature, these heatwaves cause coral bleaching events, wherein symbiotic algae are expelled from the coral, causing the corals to appear white. These algae provide food and process waste from the corals, hence are extremely essential to their survival. Five mass bleaching events have occurred from 1994 to 2017, with the 2015 event causing the most damage. These events are projected to become more frequent and intense in the future. It is estimated that the reefs of the American Samoa could experience yearly bleaching by the year 2040. By the year 2115, under extreme warming, it is projected that water temperatures in this region may be too high for species currently living in the reefs. Due to the isolation of the Samoan reefs, species may not be able to find another suitable habitat. Warming temperatures may also worsen coral diseases and favor invasive species, such as the outbreaks of the crown-of-thorns sea star, a predator of the coral. Algal blooms will also become more expansive and longer-lasting. Some of these blooms may also be Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and become toxic to life around it. Changing Weather Patterns and Storms In the American Samoa, climate change is estimated to