Almost all shallow-water coral reefs face collapse by 2075

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 14:20 · Archive

Nearly 96% of the planet's shallow-water coral reefs risk ecosystem collapse by 2075 due to global heating, UN advisers warn.

Almost every shallow-water coral reef on the planet, including Australia's Great Barrier Reef, faces a high risk of ecosystem collapse before 2075 because of global heating, according to an assessment by United Nations nature advisers. About 24% of reefs across more than 80 countries are already critically endangered, but when the expected impacts of global heating are included, this rises to 96%.

Coral reefs are known as the rainforests of the sea. A quarter of all known marine species are found in and around them. They support hundreds of millions of people with food, protect shorelines and support tourism. Overfishing, pollution, coastal development and global heating have already caused declines in these ecosystems over the past 50 years, measured by loss of live coral and changes in fish populations.

Despite the dire prognosis, scientists said the findings should serve as a 'wake-up call'. Dr Mishal Gudka, research director at CORDIO (Coral Reef Degradation in the Indian Ocean) East Africa and scientific lead for the assessment, said 'the risk is real and very concerning'. Reefs could survive with rapid cuts to fossil fuel use and strong conservation action at local levels, the assessment indicated.

How it is being reported

• Almost all coral reef ecosystems face risk of collapse in 50 years, study warnsBeyond combatting rising global emissions, experts said efforts to reduce pollution, overfishing, and coastal development can help reefs survive.New York Post · 22 Oct, 15:08
• Nearly all coral reefs risk collapse in 50 years: IUCNIn its first global assessment, the world authority on threatened wildlife classified 96% of coral reef systems as "critically endangered."The Japan Times · 22 Oct, 13:58
• Almost every shallow-water coral reef on the planet faces ecosystem collapse by 2075, UN advisors sayAssessment finds global heating is endangering 96% of coral reefs across 80 countries – a figure scientists say should serve as a ‘wake-up call’ Sign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter here Almost every shallow-water coral reef on the planet, including Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, faces a high risk of ecosystem collapse before 2075 because of global heating, according to an assessment by United Nations nature advisers. About 24% of the planet’s reefs across more than 80 countries are already critically endangered, the assessment said, but when…The Guardian · 22 Oct, 13:00

In this story: Australia · Great Barrier Reef · United Nations · CORDIO East Africa · Dr Mishal Gudka

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