Corals Are Once Again Bleaching En Masse, but Their Fate Isn’t Sealed
Corals Are Once Again Bleaching En Masse, but Their Fate Isn't Sealed Scientific American
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Global Coral Bleaching Event Threatens Ecosystems
Introduction
Coral reefs are facing a severe threat as the world experiences its fourth planetwide mass coral bleaching event. This event, confirmed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the International Coral Reef Initiative, has been documented in every major ocean basin over the past 14 months. With rising sea-surface temperatures, this event is on track to become the worst mass bleaching event ever recorded.
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Importance of Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are critical ecosystems for hundreds of millions of people living in tropical regions. They provide food security and support reef tourism, which is a significant part of many small, rapidly developing countries’ economies. The social and economic value of coral reefs, especially to people in the tropics, is enormous. Additionally, coral reefs offer ecosystem services that benefit societies, particularly those who depend on them for food security.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed:
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
Understanding Coral Bleaching
Coral bleaching is a stress response caused by rising sea temperatures. When corals are exposed to high or low salinity, extreme temperatures, toxic chemicals, or sediment, they become stressed and lose their color. This loss of color occurs because of the breakdown of the symbiotic relationship between the coral host and microscopic symbionts living inside its tissue. The primary driver of mass coral bleaching events is anthropogenic heating, primarily from burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed:
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
Extent of Global Bleaching Event
The extent of bleaching can be measured through direct observations of individual reefs or indirectly using satellite data. Satellite data provides information on water temperature, which serves as a proxy for the intensity of bleaching. Aerial surveys conducted by marine biologists are also used to assess the extent of bleaching on a regional scale.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed:
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
Impact on Coral Reefs
The current mass bleaching event has resulted in severe damage to coral reefs worldwide. In the Great Barrier Reef, 75% of the reef has experienced bleaching, which is the largest extent of bleaching ever recorded. Bleaching events have also been observed in the Florida Keys, the Caribbean, the eastern Pacific, and parts of the Indian Ocean and the Coral Triangle.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed:
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
Survival of Corals
While coral bleaching is not always fatal, the severity and duration of bleaching, as well as the intensity of heat stress, determine the likelihood of corals surviving. Reports indicate significant coral loss, with some areas experiencing up to 80% loss of bleached corals. Mass bleaching events result in mass mortality of corals, leading to the loss of billions of corals worldwide.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed:
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
Concerning Trends
The increasing frequency of bleaching events is a major concern. The shorter gaps between these events limit the recovery and regrowth of corals. Ecological recovery, which involves replacing dead corals with new live ones, is crucial for the resilience of coral reefs. However, the current trend of shorter intervals between bleaching events hinders this recovery process.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed:
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
Protecting Coral Reefs
Efforts to protect and restore coral reefs face significant challenges due to the ongoing global bleaching event. Existing attempts to restore coral reefs have been destroyed by the event itself. While local management practices can address issues such as overfishing and pollution, the ultimate solution lies in stabilizing sea temperatures. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial for the long-term survival of coral reefs.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed:
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
Final Thoughts
The current state of coral reefs is alarming, with widespread bleaching and mortality occurring. It is essential to recognize the value of coral reefs and the urgent need to address climate change to ensure their survival. Restoration efforts alone are insufficient, and global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is critical for the long-term preservation of these invaluable ecosystems.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed:
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems | Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning | Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into relevant national policies, strategies, and planning |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services | Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 14: Life Below Water
The article discusses the mass coral bleaching event that is currently occurring worldwide. Coral reefs are important marine ecosystems, and their bleaching threatens their health and survival. SDG 14 aims to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems, making it directly relevant to the issues highlighted in the article.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The article mentions that rising sea temperatures, driven by anthropogenic heating from burning fossil fuels and deforestation, are the primary cause of coral bleaching. SDG 13 focuses on climate action, including measures to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The connection between coral bleaching and climate change makes SDG 13 relevant to the issues discussed.
SDG 15: Life on Land
While the main focus of the article is on marine ecosystems, it briefly mentions the importance of coral reefs for the habitat they provide to fish and crustaceans. SDG 15 aims to ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, including forests. The mention of the impact of coral bleaching on the entire ecosystem makes SDG 15 indirectly connected to the issues highlighted.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems
The article emphasizes the need to protect coral reefs, which are important marine ecosystems. Target 14.2 specifically addresses the sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems, making it relevant to the issues discussed.
Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning
The article mentions the need for countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to stabilize sea temperatures and protect coral reefs. Target 13.3 focuses on improving education, awareness, and capacity on climate change mitigation and adaptation. It is relevant to the issues discussed as it highlights the importance of addressing climate change to protect coral reefs.
Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services
While the article primarily focuses on marine ecosystems, it briefly mentions the impact of coral bleaching on the entire ecosystem, including fish and crustaceans. Target 15.1 aims to ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, including forests. It is indirectly connected to the issues discussed as it highlights the importance of protecting the entire ecosystem affected by coral bleaching.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches
The article does not explicitly mention this indicator, but it discusses the need to sustainably manage and protect marine ecosystems, including coral reefs. The use of ecosystem-based approaches to manage national exclusive economic zones can be a measure of progress towards Target 14.2.
Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into relevant national policies, strategies, and planning
The article mentions the need for countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change and protect coral reefs. The integration of mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into national policies, strategies, and planning can be a measure of progress towards Target 13.3.
Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area
While the article primarily focuses on marine ecosystems, it briefly mentions the impact of coral bleaching on the entire ecosystem, including fish and crustaceans. The conservation and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems, including forests, are important for the overall health of the ecosystem. The forest area as a proportion of total land area can be a measure of progress towards Target 15.1.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems | Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning | Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into relevant national policies, strategies, and planning |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services | Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area |
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Fuente: scientificamerican.com
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