A recent global report highlights a significant decline in the proportion of living, stony hard corals on reefs worldwide. The report also indicates that the intensity of naturally occurring warming events, such as El Niño, may be increasing, as reflected in coral skeletons. Marine heatwaves and global bleaching events have been major contributors to the decline in hard coral coverage globally, which now stands at around 25%.
The lead author of the report, Manuel González Rivero, notes that coral cover has dropped from over 30-40% in the 1980s to the current level. The report emphasizes the shrinking window for coral recovery due to the more frequent occurrence of extreme ocean heat events, with recent coral cover decline rate at 9.5% compared to previous decades.
Experts warn that the loss of coral reefs is associated with climate change, affecting various regions differently. While some areas have experienced growth in coral cover, others have seen declines. The warming oceans, largely due to human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, are leading to more intense marine heatwaves, impacting coral resilience.
Efforts to improve coral reef resilience and recovery include regional interventions like reducing overfishing and pollution. Globally, urgent action is needed to curb greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the effects of climate change on coral reefs. The report underscores the critical importance of addressing these challenges to safeguard marine life and the economies of numerous countries dependent on coral reefs.
Furthermore, research indicates a worsening trend in El Niño events, exacerbated by climate change. Corals, acting as historical records, show evidence of stronger El Niño occurrences in recent decades. This shift underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action to protect coral reefs in the face of ongoing environmental threats.