Ocean

99% of coral reefs could disappear if we don't slash emissions this decade, alarming new study shows

Coral reefs have long been regarded as one of the most significant ecological casualties of global warming. Image: Unsplash/ Biorock Indonesia

Scott F. Heron
Associate Professor in Physics, James Cook University
Peter Kalmus
Data Scientist, NASA
Maria Beger
Associate Professor in Conservation Science, University of Leeds
Adele Dixon
PhD Candidate in Coral Biology, University of Leeds
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Ocean

Bleached coral reefs are more vulnerable to disease and starvation.
Bleached coral reefs are more vulnerable to disease and starvation. Image: Maria Beger, Author provided
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Healthy coral reefs can support a vast array of life.
Healthy coral reefs can support a vast array of life. Image: Maarten De Brauwer, Author provided
At 2°C of warming, safe havens from heat for coral reefs will no longer exist.
At 2°C of warming, safe havens from heat for coral reefs will no longer exist. Image: Dixon et al. (2022)/PLOS Climate

Climate change is already degrading coral reefs globally.
Climate change is already degrading coral reefs globally. Image: Unsplash/ Francesco Ungaro
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