Threats
The IPCC predicts that an increase in ocean temperatures of 1.5°C could lead to the loss of 90% of coral reefs, and an increase of 2°C could cause coral reefs to all but disappear. ref
Coral reefs face multiple global and local threats. The combination of global climate change and local threats has resulted in major declines in coral reef ecosystems worldwide. Over 50% of corals may have been lost in the last 30 years, ref and corals are now listed as “most at risk of extinction” by the Convention on Biological Diversity. ref
This section provides an overview of the major threats affecting coral reefs as well as on the ecological response of corals to these threats. For more in-depth information, take the Coral Reef Resilience Online Course. Read a description of the course or enroll in the course.
Two different species of corals experiencing varying levels of resistance to bleaching. Photo © The Ocean Agency
