If you want to save coral reefs from destruction, hurry up

This should happen next decade.

Many coral reefs around the world experience extreme weather. Due to global warming, they are turning white and heading towards their demise. Scientists have sounded the alarm several times. And now they do it again. Because if we want reefs to last, actions in the next decade are our last straw.

Coral reefs
Coral reefs are beautiful and diverse ecosystems that support the economies of many coastal communities. Tourism to coral reefs alone generates approximately $36 billion annually. The global economic value of coral reefs across all sectors is approaching $10 trillion annually. In addition, coral reefs perform many important functions, including maintaining underwater biodiversity. There are countless types of fish and animals finding food and shelter there. For example, coral reefs are home to about a third of known ocean species, even though they occupy less than 0.1 percent of the world’s oceans. In addition, coral reefs protect coastal areas from flooding; Healthy corals can break waves and protect 90 percent more men from the next wave’s surge and energy.

heavy weather
Unfortunately, the majority of coral reefs around the world are currently not doing well. Coral reefs are very sensitive to the negative effects of climate change. For example, consider the continuing rise in ocean temperature and acidification. This causes the corals to fade, stop growing, and eventually die.

closing window
According to the researchers, we can’t wait any longer before we intervene. “The window for saving coral reefs while mitigating climate change will soon close for good,” said researcher David Obura. “We need to get more involved and embrace new ideas, methods and technologies.” Therefore, researchers are calling on policy makers around the world for new commitments and actions to protect and restore coral reefs.

This contract
It is urgent. In a new study, researchers argue that actions over the next decade will determine whether or not the reef survives. The next decade will likely provide the last chance to prevent coral reefs from heading toward global collapse, So write the researchers. “Model forecasts show that 30 percent of coral reefs will survive this century if we limit global warming to 1.5°C,” said researcher Andrea Grottoli. “But if we want to limit warming to 1.5 degrees, we have to do it now: Science and models show we only have a few years left to reduce CO2 emissions. This decade has to happen or we won’t make it.”

turning point
According to researchers, coral reefs are currently at a tipping point. Stop climate change now – and start turning the tide – and some reefs are likely to survive. This may allow them to recover well in the future and provide the seeds needed to grow the damaged corals elsewhere. “We will go from 30 percent of the reefs to just a few if we don’t do anything,” Grottoli asserts.

Three pillars
Researchers have their report It established three pillars to save coral reefs: tackling climate change, improving local conditions, and actively restoring coral reefs.

If we want to save coral reefs from destruction, we don’t have to focus solely on climate change. “Although climate change has worsened in recent decades, we have also lost massive amounts of coral through overfishing, pollution and other local interventions,” said study researcher Nancy Knowlton. “We have to deal with all fronts simultaneously. Climate change is important. But it is essential not to neglect other important things. We have to do everything.”

So if we want to prevent corals from disappearing once and for all, we will have to act before this decade. “We need everyone to do this,” Abora says. “Including all the scientists who contribute to saving coral reefs with new knowledge.”