In the world’s ocean, coral reefs play an essential role in supporting biodiversity and livelihoods, and in helping communities adapt to a changing climate. The array of marine life that relies on this ecosystem ranges from commercially important fish, such as groupers and snappers, to eye-catching invertebrate species, including sea slugs (nudibranch). More than 1 billion people depend on coral reefs for food and income. Reefs also act as a natural barrier during storms, helping to reduce the full impact of waves before they reach shorelines and coastal communities. But today, coral reefs are among the most threatened ecosystems on our planet.
Recognizing the importance of corals to nature and people, several governments have included coral reef protections as a tool to help adapt to climate change in their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, the landmark international treaty that came out of the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference. Protecting, restoring, and monitoring coral reefs can be an important adaptation measure within the NDCs. To help show the extensive value of this versatile and vulnerable ecosystem, here are six facts about coral reefs:
6 Reasons Coral Reefs Deserve Protection | The Pew Charitable Trusts
Recognizing the importance of corals to nature and people, several governments have included coral reef protections as a tool to help adapt to climate change in their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, the landmark international treaty that came out of the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference. Protecting, restoring, and monitoring coral reefs can be an important adaptation measure within the NDCs. To help show the extensive value of this versatile and vulnerable ecosystem, here are six facts about coral reefs:
6 Reasons Coral Reefs Deserve Protection | The Pew Charitable Trusts