Coral Reefs Under Threat from Climate Warming
New scientific studies reveal that coral reefs are facing severe pressure from global warming, with ocean acidification posing a significant threat to marine life.
According to recent research, warm-water coral reefs have crossed a tipping point due to global heating and are dying at an accelerated rate. This is attributed to repeated mass bleaching events, which impact hundreds of millions of people relying on them for fishing, tourism, and protection from rising seas and storm surges.
Global average temperatures are about 1.3-1.4C above pre-industrial times, which is higher than coral reefs can withstand.
The second Global Tipping Points report, released on Monday, warns that if the trend is not reversed, coral reefs around the world will be lost. The report was produced by over 160 scientists in 23 countries, led by the Global Systems Institute at the UK’s University of Exeter.
Their thermal tipping point is estimated to be 1.2C of warming, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect these vital ecosystems.
Author's Summary
Coral reefs are dying due to climate warming, prompting increased ocean protection efforts.