Re:wild’s Post

The latest global assessment brings troubling news for corals with more than 340 species now being considered at risk of extinction. Healthy ecosystems like coral reefs are essential for human livelihoods—providing food, stabilising coastlines, and storing carbon. Climate change remains the leading threat to reef-building corals and is devastating the natural systems we depend. The main solution to save corals from extinction is cutting greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), accompanied by actions to address other threats, to strengthen species’ resilience. The assessors also recommend more research into if and how corals can adapt to warmer waters, with evidence of limited adaptation. My own take is that science-based coral reef restoration is an effective adaptation measure to save corals in the interim as mitigation measures to cut GHGs are not happening.

Nearly half of tropical coral species face extinction: Report Summary: A recent report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has issued a stark warning: nearly half of all tropical reef-building coral species are now at risk of extinction, with climate change identified as the primary threat. Rising ocean temperatures, driven by the absorption of around 90% of excess atmospheric heat due to greenhouse gas emissions, have spurred severe coral bleaching events worldwide, posing a critical risk to marine biodiversity and communities dependent on coral reefs. The IUCN’s updated Red List now lists 44% of tropical coral species as threatened, marking a sharp rise from the 2008 assessment. In addition to global warming, pollution, disease, overfishing, and agricultural runoff continue to endanger coral populations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic regions, including Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, which saw one of its worst bleaching events this year. A recent study of Atlantic coral, published in PLOS One, revealed that nearly one-third of Atlantic coral species, including staghorn and elkhorn coral, are critically endangered due to warming waters and storm damage. The IUCN emphasizes the urgent need for decisive action at COP29, calling on global leaders to reduce fossil fuel emissions and protect coral ecosystems. Coral reefs play a crucial role in supporting marine life, stabilizing coastlines, storing carbon, and sustaining fisheries and tourism. Without immediate, targeted action, coral reefs face progressive loss, with cascading impacts on marine biodiversity and human livelihoods. #CoralExtinction #ClimateChange #COP29 #IUCNRedList #MarineConservation #CoralBleaching #BiodiversityCrisis #OceanHealth #EcosystemProtection #SustainableOceans

REPORT SHOWS ALL IRISH INSHORE WATERS WILL BE UNDER PRESSURE FROM CLIMATE CHANGE A new report has been published by Fair Seas highlighting key Irish marine areas that can promote biodiversity in the face of the impact of worsening #climatechange. The coalition of leading environmental NGOs and networks has commissioned research to identify the areas of Ireland’s marine environment that have the best opportunity to preserve ocean species and habitats for decades to come. https://lnkd.in/esd47FJM

REPORT SHOWS ALL IRISH INSHORE WATERS WILL BE UNDER PRESSURE FROM CLIMATE CHANGE A new report has been published by Fair Seas highlighting key Irish marine areas that can promote biodiversity in the face of the impact of worsening #climatechange. The coalition of leading environmental NGOs and networks has commissioned research to identify the areas of Ireland’s marine environment that have the best opportunity to preserve ocean species and habitats for decades to come. https://lnkd.in/eFEDYwAd

❄️ Protecting Arctic Life at COP16 ❄️ The Arctic Ocean is teeming with life that sustains Indigenous communities and countless species. Yet, this fragile ecosystem is facing growing threats from climate change, pollution and industrial fishing. At #COP16Columbia, WWF is championing ArcNet, a network dedicated to conserving Arctic marine biodiversity by protecting key habitats, promoting sustainable practices and supporting Indigenous stewardship. Together, we're working to ensure the Arctic remains resilient in the face of change. 💙🐋

Did you know that oceans absorb about 25% of the world’s CO2 emissions and capture more than 90% of excess heat generated by human activity? The role of oceans in climate regulation is profound, but it’s threatened by biodiversity loss. By restoring marine ecosystems, we can enhance their resilience and climate-regulating capabilities. 🌱 #OceanConservation #ClimateChange https://lnkd.in/d28VtG7z

REPORT SHOWS ALL IRISH INSHORE WATERS WILL BE UNDER PRESSURE FROM CLIMATE CHANGE A new report has been published by Fair Seas highlighting key Irish marine areas that can promote biodiversity in the face of the impact of worsening #climatechange. The coalition of leading environmental NGOs and networks has commissioned research to identify the areas of Ireland’s marine environment that have the best opportunity to preserve ocean species and habitats for decades to come. https://lnkd.in/esd47FJM

Preserving kelp forests and estuaries isn't just about safeguarding marine biodiversity; it's a strategic move for our planet's health. By recognizing and protecting these carbon sinks, we contribute to the global effort to combat climate change and ensure a sustainable future. 🤝🌏 #estuaries #kelpforest #climatechange #oregon #oregoncoast #carbonsink

Climate protection starts in the ocean. 🌊 🌱 Marine and coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and seagrass meadows are true climate heroes: they store huge amounts of carbon while providing food and income for millions of people. Unfortunately, they are disappearing worldwide at an alarming rate. Today, on #OceanActionDay at #COP29, we are calling for coastal and marine ecosystems to finally be given greater consideration in international climate protection plans. 🚨The ocean is our most valuable nature-based solution in the fight against the climate crisis, but it is still being sidelined. This COP must be where that finally changes. “Protecting and restoring marine ecosystems must be a core part of climate action”, says Steve Trent, CEO and Founder of the Environmental Justice Foundation. Ocean and climate action go hand in hand. 🤝 Close cooperation between global agreements such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (#UNFCCC) and the UN Ocean Conference (#UNOC) is therefore urgently needed. Read our latest press release: https://lnkd.in/e57mcfMN The Wildlife Trusts Stop Finning Deutschland e.V. Whale and Dolphin Conservation The Manta Trust Mundus maris Gambá - Grupo Ambientalista da Bahia SeaLegacy Ocean. Now! KYMA sea conservation & research Gesellschaft zur Rettung der Delphine e.V. Rare Oceanic Global Gallifrey Foundation Coral Reef Alliance Okeanos Foundation for the Sea FishWise Living Oceans Society Galapagos Conservation Trust Fair Carbon Climate-Smart Institute

As coral reefs face their fourth global bleaching event this year—the most severe on record—an Emergency Session on Coral Reefs will take place at COP16, starting this Monday. COP16 is a crucial global platform for biodiversity and climate action, and this session, in partnership with the International Coral Reef Initiative and Global Fund for Coral Reefs, will unite scientists, coral state leaders, and conservation experts to present immediate, scalable strategies to protect these vital ecosystems. An estimated 75% of coral reefs were impacted by bleaching-level temperatures this year - a sobering statistic that summarizes the urgent need for collective action. https://lnkd.in/e6S88BCp #COP16 #CoralReefs #ClimateAction #Biodiversity #SaveOurReefs #GlobalAction #Bleaching #ClimateChange