Nearly 166,000 sq km of coral reefs identified with potential to resist climate change

An international team of scientists has identified approximately 166,000 square kilometers of coral reefs across 71 countries and 100 territories that show a strong capacity to survive and recover from the impacts of climate change. The findings were presented at the Our Ocean conference in Mombasa, Kenya.

The research, led by Australia's Macquarie University and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), located 165,922 square kilometers of reefs deemed "especially resilient to global warming." This study significantly expands upon the 2018 international 50 Reefs initiative, identifying three times more reefs with climate resilience potential.

These vital ecosystems are spread across 71 countries and 100 territories, with new locations identified in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean. "This is a significant advance in our understanding of coral reef resilience," said Emily Darling, Director of Coral Conservation at WCS and a co-author of the study. "Reefs are often presented as doomed ecosystems, but this research shows there is a global portfolio of reefs that can survive and recover from the climate crisis."

Australia, the Bahamas, Cuba, Indonesia, and the Philippines hold more than half of the identified reefs. Scientists attribute the reefs' survival to favorable ocean conditions that reduce warming impacts, or to a greater tolerance for thermal stress and a rapid recovery capacity after extreme events. However, only 28% of these resilient reefs are currently within protected areas, leaving over 119,000 square kilometers without conservation measures. The report's release coincides with the launch of the "Our Reefs, Our Future" campaign, urging governments to increase protection for these climate-resilient reefs.

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This is a significant advance in our understanding of coral reef resilience. Reefs are often presented as doomed ecosystems, but this research shows there is a global portfolio of reefs that can survive and recover from the climate crisis.