Almost every shallow-water coral reef on the planet faces ecosystem collapse by 2075, UN advisors say
A new UN-backed assessment warns that 96% of the world's shallow-water coral reefs face ecosystem collapse by 2075 due to global heating. Scientists emphasize that while the situation is dire, rapid reduction in fossil fuel use could still mitigate the damage.
Why it matters
The potential loss of coral reefs threatens marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions of people who rely on these ecosystems for food and tourism.
Papa Bay, Hawaii. Scientists say findings that 96% of all shallow-water reefs face collapse due to global heating should serve as a wake-up call to rapidly cut the use of fossil fuels. Photograph: Lindsey Kramer/Hawaii Wildlife Fund/IUCN Papa Bay, Hawaii. Scientists say findings that 96% of all shallow-water reefs face collapse due to global heating should serve as a wake-up call to rapidly cut the use of fossil fuels. Photograph: Lindsey Kramer/Hawaii Wildlife Fund/IUCN Australia news Almost every shallow-water coral reef on the planet faces ecosystem collapse by 2075, UN advisors say Assessment finds global heating is endangering 96% of coral reefs across 80 countries – a figure scientists say should serve as a ‘wake-up call’
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