Geography 2050 (2020) The 10 Greatest Challenges Facing the World Ocean: Coral Reef Loss/Bleaching

Summary

Ms. Jen McWhorter discusses coral reef loss and bleaching, particularly focusing on the Great Barrier Reef. She explores the impacts of climate change, emphasizing the sensitivity of corals to warming temperatures.

Highlights

🌊 Corals are highly sensitive to warming temperatures, leading to bleaching events.

🐠 Climate models project severe bleaching events, especially under high emission scenarios.

📊 McWhorter’s research aims to improve climate modeling for coral reef environments.

🌍 Climate scenarios vary in intensity and predictability of bleaching events.

🏝️ Even under the best-case scenario, three to four severe bleaching events per decade are expected.

🐟 Coral reefs play crucial roles in biodiversity, fisheries, tourism, and storm protection.

🌱 Individual actions and education are vital for mitigating coral reef decline and climate change impact.