About 96% of coral reefs face critical risk

A vast majority of warm-water coral reef ecosystems are at extreme risk of collapse by 2075 due to climate change. The IUCN's Red List highlights critical danger for major coral systems like the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Triangle. The study covers over 188,000 square kilometers of reefs across 80 countries, emphasizing that thermal stress from climate change is the primary threat. The decline of coral reefs jeopardizes food sources and livelihoods for coastal communities, impacting fisheries and tourism. While projections indicate a dire future, the assessment notes that recovery is possible if climate pressures are alleviated.