Coral Reefs at Risk – Urgent Action Required

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently reported an important increase in the extinction risk of reef-building coral species. As of now, 44 per cent of these species face threats, up from 33 per cent in 2008. This alarming statistic was discussed at the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Baku, Azerbaijan. Corals are crucial for marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions globally.

Current Status of Coral Species

The IUCN’s assessment indicates that 44 per cent of the 892 warm-water coral species are at risk. This includes 56 species classified as vulnerable, 251 as endangered, and 33 as critically endangered. Notable endangered species include the Staghorn coral and Elkhorn coral. Climate change remains the primary threat, exacerbated by pollution, disease, and unsustainable fishing practices.

Impact of Coral Reefs

Coral reefs provide essential services beyond marine life support. They protect coastal areas from storms and flooding. Approximately 500 million people rely on these ecosystems for food and income. Coral reefs also contribute around $375 billion annually through tourism. A decline in reef health threatens these economic benefits and increases vulnerability to climate-related disasters.

Threats to Coral Reefs

The primary threats to coral reefs include climate change, pollution, and agricultural runoff. Rising sea temperatures lead to coral bleaching, which weakens these ecosystems. The ongoing global coral bleaching event is the largest on record, affecting 80 per cent of coral reefs worldwide. Addressing these threats requires immediate action and important funding.

Conservation Efforts

To combat coral extinction, experts advocate for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing coral resilience. Funding is crucial for effective conservation strategies. The Global Fund for Coral Reefs seeks to raise $12 billion but has only secured $30 million so far. Attracting public and private investments is vital for encouraging sustainable practices.

Future Initiatives

The upcoming 2025 UN Ocean Conference in France aims to mobilise support and resources for coral reef conservation. Experts hope the conference will address the biodiversity crisis affecting coral reefs and other species. With over 46,300 species classified as threatened globally, urgent action is necessary to restore balance to ecosystems.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Estimate the impact of climate change on marine biodiversity, particularly coral reefs.
2. Critically discuss the economic implications of coral reef degradation for coastal communities.
3. Examine the role of international cooperation in addressing global biodiversity crises.
4. Analyse the effectiveness of current conservation strategies for endangered coral species.

Answer Hints:

1. Estimate the impact of climate change on marine biodiversity, particularly coral reefs.

1. Climate change leads to rising sea temperatures, causing coral bleaching and mortality.
2. Increased ocean acidification affects coral calcification and growth rates.
3. Altered marine ecosystems disrupt food chains, impacting species dependent on corals.
4. Climate-induced changes threaten the habitat and survival of numerous marine species.
5. 44% of reef-building coral species are at risk, denoting the urgent need for action.

2. Critically discuss the economic implications of coral reef degradation for coastal communities.

1. Coral reefs provide essential services, such as coastal protection, reducing storm damage costs.
2. Approximately 500 million people rely on coral reefs for their livelihoods and food security.
3. Coral reef tourism generates around $375 billion annually, crucial for local economies.
4. Degradation leads to decreased fish populations, impacting local fisheries and income.
5. Loss of reefs increases vulnerability to climate-related disasters, causing economic strain.

3. Examine the role of international cooperation in addressing global biodiversity crises.

1. International agreements, like the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, facilitate collective action.
2. Cooperation enables sharing of resources, knowledge, and funding for conservation efforts.
3. Global initiatives, such as the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, aim to mobilize financial support.
4. Conferences like COP29 encourage dialogue on urgent biodiversity issues and collaborative solutions.
5. Joint research efforts enhance understanding of threats and effective conservation strategies.

4. Analyse the effectiveness of current conservation strategies for endangered coral species.

1. Current strategies focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change impacts.
2. Efforts to enhance coral resilience through research on adaptive capabilities are ongoing.
3. Funding gaps hinder effective implementation of conservation strategies; only $30 million secured of $12 billion target.
4. Community engagement and sustainable fishing practices are critical for long-term success.
5. Monitoring and enforcement of marine protected areas can improve coral health and biodiversity.