The climate crisis is an ocean crisis, and coral reefs are bearing the brunt.

According to IPCC, the ocean is warmer, more acidic and less productive under climate change. Covering 70% of our planet's surface, the ocean absorbs about 90% of the excess heat. It provides plentiful resources and regulates the Earth’s climate. However, the rate of ocean warming between 1993 and 2017 has more than doubled compared to 1969-1993 period. Marine heatwaves with notable ecological impacts, such as coral bleaching, have been occurring more frequently and intensely.

Let’s hold the warming to 1.5°C and recover marine biodiversity

Global warming is likely to reach 1.5°C by 2030, which may cause 90% of coral reefs to disappear. Coral reefs cover less than 0.1% of the ocean floor, yet are home to nearly one-quarter of all ocean species. They are even called the "tropical rainforests of the sea" for their astounding richness of life. Per year coral reefs also represent an astonishing $36 billion in economic value to the world, and support more than 500 million people’s livings.

Many countries devote efforts to coral restoration and marine protection

The “30x30” ocean campaign has swept the world. It calls on countries to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. Coral reef restoration is regarded as one of effective ways to recover marine ecosystems. The efforts are now implemented in at least 56 countries according to the UN. In Taiwan, both official and non-governmental organizations have been dedicated to the restoration respectively in Penghu, Xiao Liuqiu and the northeast coast. On the other hand, Australia has launched “Coral Watch” scheme, which uses a chart to determine coral reef health and builds up an international network of coral reef monitoring. Another website, Coral Net, establishes a benthic images database and integrates artificial intelligence to monitor coral reefs.