The world's coral reefs are on the brink of an irreversible die-off, scientists warn, marking a critical 'tipping point' in climate-driven ecosystem collapse. A new report, the Global Tipping Points report, co-authored by 160 researchers worldwide, highlights the alarming pace of global warming and its devastating impact on coral reefs. The report, released ahead of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, warns that the Amazon rainforest is at risk of collapse if global temperatures exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius due to deforestation. Additionally, rising temperatures threaten the disruption of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a major ocean current that regulates northern Europe's climate. The report's lead author, Tim Lenton, emphasizes the urgency of the situation, noting that climate change is accelerating rapidly. Despite some positive signs, such as the increased use of renewable energy, the report calls for immediate action to reduce carbon emissions and prevent further damage to coral reefs. The last two years have been the warmest on record, with marine heatwaves causing widespread coral bleaching and death, affecting up to 84% of the world's reefs. To restore coral health, the world must drastically reduce temperatures to 1 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels, a challenging but necessary task. The report's findings underscore the need for swift and decisive climate action to prevent irreversible damage to our planet's ecosystems.
