Coral Reefs and Climate Change
Conclusions

Coral reefs are of immense importance. As coral reefs decline due to the threats of climate change, we will see not only a loss of biodiversity of reef animals, but also a loss of all the ecological and economic benefits that coral reefs provide to surrounding ecosystems and human populations.

• Global climate change poses serious threats to coral reefs, including:
  • Coral bleaching due to elevated sea surface temperatures
  • UV radiation disrupting animal physiology
  • Ocean acidification resulting in decreased calcification
• A global decline of coral reefs will have significant impacts on other ecosystems
  • Reduced protection of mangroves and seagrasses
  • Reduced nutrient input to surroundings
  • Reduced input to pelagic food web
• A global decline of coral reefs will significantly impact humans
  • Decline in fisheries for consumption and economy
  • Loss of tourism and associated economy
  • Loss of coastal protection
  • Loss of potential pharmaceutical discoveries and information services

These threats and consequences can only be avoided by stopping climate change. On a global scale, we must significantly reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide. If we continue on our present path, coral reef ecosystems will suffer greatly, resulting in severe consequences for the tropical seascape and human populations.

 

 

Photo credits: Andy Lewis