*Fatshimetrie*
Coral reefs, vital to marine ecosystems and millions of people around the world, are on the brink of collapse due to climate change. A new study led by Dr. Liam Lachs, a postdoctoral researcher at Newcastle University, warns that coral populations could be lost by 2070 if significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are not implemented.
Dr. Lachs points out: “With current climate policies, we are on track to reach a three-degree Celsius world by the end of the 21st century. In this scenario, if corals cannot genetically adapt, they will be lost by 2070. However, taking into account genetic adaptation, this could mean the difference between their survival and extinction.”
The Importance of Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are among the first ecosystems to be threatened with extinction by climate change. Their loss would have devastating consequences:
– They act as natural barriers, protecting coastal communities from storms and storm surges.
– They provide a vital source of protein for hundreds of millions of people through fish populations.
– They support industries such as tourism and fishing, which are valued at billions of dollars worldwide.
“Protecting these ecosystem services is a top priority,” says Dr. Lachs.
Hope for Coral Adaptation
The study, published in Science, analyzed coral populations on Palau’s reefs and modeled their responses under different climate scenarios. The results highlight that corals could adapt to warmer seas if global temperature increase is limited to 2 degrees Celsius, as mandated by the Paris Agreement.
Maintaining healthy reefs through measures such as improving water quality and regulating destructive fishing practices is essential to give corals a fighting chance at survival. Innovative strategies, such as “assisted evolution” and selective breeding, are also being explored to strengthen coral resilience.
A Wider Impact
For Dr. Lachs, saving Earth’s coral reefs is about more than just preserving marine life: “Coral reefs support countless people and industries. Solving the problem of how to save them could have far-reaching implications for both biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions of people around the world.”
This call to action highlights the urgent need for the international community to take action to preserve these marine gems and protect life on Earth.