World’s coral reefs headed for near-irreversible destruction, scientists say
With global warming crossing dangerous limits faster than expected, the world’s coral reefs are now headed for near-irreversible extinction, in what scientists described Monday as the first “tipping point” in climate-driven ecosystem collapse.
warning in Global Tipping Points Report The study, by 160 researchers from around the world that synthesizes unprecedented science to predict points of no return, comes just weeks before this year’s COP30 climate summit, which is being held on the edge of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil.
The report revised the projected range for the Amazon, saying that the same rainforest system is at risk of collapse if average global temperatures rise by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius, based on deforestation rates.
The worry if temperatures continue to rise is the risk of disruption to a key ocean current called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, which helps ensure mild winters in northern Europe.
“Now tragically, change is happening rapidly in parts of the climate, the biosphere,” said environmental scientist Tim Lenton of the University of Exeter, lead author of the report.
some positive signs
Lenton saw positive signs when it came to phasing out the fossil fuels most responsible for climate change. For example, renewables produced more electricity than coal this year for the first time, according to data from the nonprofit think-tank Ember.
According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, oceans around the world are experiencing a massive coral bleaching event. This means that coral in every major ocean basin is turning white, or even dying, because the water in which it lives is too warm.
“No one wants to just be traumatized and powerless,” Lenton said. “We still have some agency.”
Scientists urged countries at November’s COP30 to work toward reducing climate-warming carbon emissions.
Scientists are amazed at how quickly changes are occurring in nature, with the average global temperature already rising 1.3-1.4 C above the pre-industrial average, according to data from the UN and EU science agencies.
hottest year on record
The past two years were Earth’s hottest years on record, with marine heat waves affecting 84 percent of the world’s reefs to the point of bleaching and, in some cases, death. Coral reefs support about a quarter of marine life.
Scientists suggested that for corals to recover, the world would need to drastically increase climate action to bring temperatures back to just 1 C above the pre-industrial average.
“The new report makes clear that the scope and magnitude of the negative impacts of climate change are increasing every year,” said Pep Canadell, a senior scientist at Australia’s CSIRO Climate Science Centre.
