Coral Reefs Risk Collapse as Warming Hits 3°C
Karmactive Team
Ocean warming poses serious threats to coral reefs as it accelerates beyond their natural adaptation capabilities.
Coral survival depends on quick emission reductions, according to Dr. Liam Lachs's new study published in Science.
Mass coral bleaching and mortality are caused by marine heatwaves, which are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change.
Corals may benefit from genetic adaptation, but only if immediate climate action is taken to reduce emissions significantly.
For coral species that are susceptible to heat, the probability of local extinction increases without significant emission reductions.
The Paris Agreement's 2°C goal is essential for reef protection to prevent complete reef annihilation.
Reefs are at risk due to the 2°C warming predicted by current climate plans, threatening their complete annihilation.
Sensitive corals may not be protected by natural selection at increasing temperatures of 3-5°C by the end of this century, according to Professor Peter Mumby.
Enhancing coral resilience is the goal of experimental methods like cloud brightening and coral seeding through the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program.