10. Threat: Climate change and severe weather

Background

Climate change and severe weather are having a catastrophic impact on coral reefs with increasing evidence of widespread bleaching caused by rising sea temperatures (Hoegh-Guldberg et al. 2017). Changes in coral reef ecosystems can be caused by changes in coastal water quality and rainfall intensity. Damage and destruction of reefs is occurring through increased wave energy brought on by ever more intense storms (Hoegh-Guldberg et al. 2017). However, these are very large-scale threats so actions that could be carried out in response to them need to be on a global scale.

Chapters describing conservation actions aimed at protecting habitats, restoring coral reefs and coral species are described in Habitat protection; Habitat restoration and creation; and Species management.