DistantNews
Support us
Climate-Resilient Coral Reefs Discovered, Tripling Previous Estimates
🇬🇷 Greece /Environment & Climate

Climate-Resilient Coral Reefs Discovered, Tripling Previous Estimates

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Scientists have identified nearly 166,000 square kilometers of coral reefs capable of surviving climate change, triple previous estimates.
  • These resilient reefs are found across 71 countries and 100 territories, offering hope for marine ecosystems under pressure.
  • The findings will aid governments in planning conservation efforts, particularly for the "30 by 2030" goal, as a potential super El Niño looms.

A groundbreaking study has revealed that approximately 166,000 square kilometers of coral reefs worldwide possess the resilience to withstand and recover from the impacts of climate change, a figure three times larger than previously estimated. This discovery offers a significant glimmer of hope for these vital marine ecosystems, which support a quarter of all marine life but have faced severe threats from warming oceans, pollution, and extreme weather.

The research, published Tuesday, analyzed 45,000 coral surveys alongside decades of climate and ocean data. It identified climate-resilient reefs in 71 countries and 100 territories, including previously unrecognized areas in the Caribbean and the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. "Coral reefs are often presented as ecosystems that cannot be saved," said Emily Darling, director of coral reef conservation at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and a co-author of the report. "This research shows the opposite: we know where hope lies, and what we need now is political will."

Coral reefs are often presented as ecosystems that cannot be saved. This research shows the opposite: we know where hope lies, and what we need now is political will.

— Emily DarlingDirector of coral reef conservation at the Wildlife Conservation Society, commenting on the study's findings.

This new understanding of reef resilience is crucial as nations work towards the "30 by 2030" goal, aiming to protect 30% of their land and marine environments by the end of the decade. "Only 28% of reefs are currently within protected and conserved areas, so the opportunity is clear, as is the urgency, especially as we face an impending super El Niño event," Darling stated in a press conference. The findings will enable governments to strategically incorporate these resilient reefs into their conservation planning, prioritizing areas with the greatest potential for survival.

While the discovery highlights areas of hope, the overall threat to coral reefs remains significant. The study underscores the need for immediate political action to protect these vulnerable ecosystems. The identification of these resilient reefs provides a roadmap for targeted conservation efforts, maximizing the impact of limited resources and offering a chance to preserve these critical habitats for future generations.

Only 28% of reefs are currently within protected and conserved areas, so the opportunity is clear, as is the urgency, especially as we face an impending super El Niño event.

— Emily DarlingEmily Darling emphasizing the need for immediate action and strategic planning for reef conservation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog