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A major scientific report has said that the world’s tropical coral reefs likely can no longer recover from warming waters. This is because the oceans are getting hotter than what most corals can handle.
The scientists said that Earth probably hit a “tipping point” for the first time. This means we might see massive and often permanent changes in nature.
“Sadly, we’re now almost certain that we crossed one of those tipping points for warm water or tropical coral reefs,” said report lead Tim Lenton. He is a climate and Earth system scientist at the University of Exeter.
This conclusion was supported by recent sightings of “unprecedented” coral death in tropical reefs.
Ocean temperatures have soared to historic highs. The biggest and most intense coral bleaching episode ever witnessed has spread to more than 80 per cent of the world’s reefs. Coral bleaching happens when corals are damaged.
