Global Warming Is Destroying Coral Reefs, Report Says
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Coral reefs are affected not only by climate change, but also by water pollution.
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Coral reefs provide food for millions of people around the globe (AFP)
A report by Catrin Einhorn in The New York Times revealed that researchers found that the world has lost 14% of its coral reef in just a decade.
The newspaper quotes a report by Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN), which reveals the "catastrophic consequences of global warming" while declaring that there is still hope in saving coral reefs if actions are undertaken quickly.
According to one of the report’s editors, David Obura, coral reefs can act like "canaries in the coal mine by telling us how quickly it can go wrong." He added that a 14% decline in the reefs' area is a cause "for deep concern."
Serge Planes: Coral reefs are in constant decline
Serge Planes, a research scientist, announced that since 2009, the coral reefs have been in "constant decline at the global level."
Coral reefs provide a home for fish, that is, "protein to hundreds of millions of people." In addition, their limestone branches provide protection to coasts from storms, according to the report.
The report continues to declare that "an estimated $2.7 trillion per year in goods and services" is supported by the reefs.
The report stressed that if the world limits global warming, coral reefs can regenerate, adding that reducing pollution caused by sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals is also a critical factor.
Dr. Obura concluded that since many people are so dependent on coral reefs around the globe, humanity needs to keep these reefs functioning to protect people’s livelihoods.
