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

Feb 4, 2022

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

Maria Beger

Associate Professor in Conservation Science, University of Leeds

Adele Dixon

PhD Candidate in Coral Biology, University of Leeds

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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. Image: Maarten De Brauwer, Author provided

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. Image: Unsplash/ Francesco Ungaro

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