Africa-Press – Eritrea. Coral reefs, vital to marine ecosystems and millions of people worldwide, are on the brink of collapse due to climate change. A new study led by Dr. Liam Lachs, a postdoctoral research associate at Newcastle University, warns that without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, coral populations could be lost by 2070.
Speaking about the findings, Dr. Lachs explained:
Why Coral Reefs Matter
Coral reefs are among the first ecosystems at risk of being wiped out 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 critical source of protein for hundreds of millions of people through fish populations.
They underpin industries such as tourism and fisheries, valued at billions of dollars globally.
Lachs emphasized.
Hope for Coral Adaptation
The study, published in , analyzed coral populations in Palau’s reefs and modeled their responses under various climate scenarios. The findings highlight that corals could adapt to warming seas if the global temperature rise is limited to 2 degrees Celsius, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Maintaining healthy reefs through measures like improving water quality and regulating destructive fishing practices is essential to give corals a fighting chance. Innovative strategies, such as “assisted evolution” and selective breeding, are also being explored to enhance coral resilience.
A Broader Impact
For Dr. Lachs, saving Earth’s coral reefs is about more than just preserving marine life:
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