96% of Coral Reefs Face Collapse by 2075 as Global Heating Pushes Ecosystems to the Brink

96% of Coral Reefs Face Collapse by 2075 as Global Heating Pushes Ecosystems to the Brink

Nearly all shallow-water coral reefs on Earth are at risk of collapse within the next 50 years, according to a new UN-backed assessment.

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Almost every shallow-water coral reef on Earth—including Australia's Great Barrier Reef—faces a high risk of ecosystem collapse before 2075 because of global heating, according to an assessment by United Nations nature advisers [1].

The assessment found that about 24% of the planet's reefs across more than 80 countries are already critically endangered. When the expected impacts of global heating were added, that figure rose to 96% [1].

Scientists say the finding should serve as a "wake-up call" [1].

The first systematic global assessment shows that almost all reefs are now severely threatened, with climate change identified as the biggest threat [2][3]. The findings have placed them on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List [3].

The study found that 96% of reef systems are critically endangered [2]. Colorful coral reefs hold exceptionally high biodiversity, making their decline a major concern for ocean ecosystems [3].

The warnings come as scientists test unusual methods to protect reefs. Researchers are playing gentle underwater sounds—described as "lullabies"—to encourage coral larvae to settle and grow on damaged reefs [4]. Early results suggest these sounds may attract coral larvae and help them attach to the seabed [4].

However, scientists caution that sound alone cannot stop reef decline. The technique is still experimental, and researchers say the next step is to test the method on larger areas and over longer periods to measure its real impact [4].

Sources

UN: 96% of Coral Reefs Face Collapse by 2075 #26860696% of Coral Reefs Face Collapse by 2075, IUCN Warns #268494Almost all coral reefs are threatened, first systematic study finds #268440Can a Lullaby Save Coral Reefs From Extinction? #268886

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