'Tipping point' threshold reached for coral reefs, report suggests
9 hours ago
- #climate-change
- #coral-reefs
- #tipping-points
- The Global Tipping Points Report indicates the world's coral reefs have reached a 'tipping point', risking mass dieback.
- Over 80% of coral reefs have bleached in the past two years due to marine heatwaves.
- The threshold for coral reef dieback is estimated at 1.2°C of global warming, with current levels at 1.3°C.
- Coral reefs support hundreds of millions of people through fishing, tourism, and coastal protection.
- Other potential tipping points include melting ice sheets, forest dieback, and changes in ocean circulation.
- The world is on track for 3.1°C warming by 2100, far exceeding the 1.5°C target.
- The Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef have experienced significant bleaching events.
- Scientists debate whether the tipping point was reached in 2024 or earlier, with evidence pointing to global-scale impacts.
- Managing local pressures and reducing carbon emissions are critical to protecting reefs.
- Positive tipping points, like the rapid adoption of clean energy technologies, offer hope for mitigating climate change.