8/7/2019 Zoological Society of London - Coral Reef and Climate Change: planning for the future

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Coral Reefs and Climate ChangePlanning for the Future

ZSL ConservationZSL ConservationZSL ConservationZSL Conservation

Value of coral reef ecosystems

Tropical coral reefs are the most diverse marine ecosystems on the planet, with

ecosystem services estimated to be worth US$172-375 per annum1. More than 100

countries have coastlines with coral reefs2. Half a billion people (8% of the worlds

population) heavily depend on reefs for food, coastal protection, building materials and

income from tourism, and 30 million are entirely dependent on reefs3.

In 2008 19% of coral reefs had been lost and 35% were threatened through direct

human impacts and climate change. Global climate change will threaten all coral reefs

through increased frequency of coral bleaching events, ocean acidification and

increased frequency of serious storm events4

. At todays level of 387 ppm atmosphericCO2, most reefs worldwide are committed to irreversible decline1. At current rates of

CO2 emission we can expect to reach 450 ppm in the atmosphere by 20301. At this

concentration coral reefs will be in rapid and terminal decline across the globe from the

combined effects of mass bleaching, acidification and other environmental impacts1.

Planning for the future

To ensure the long-term viability of coral reefs it is now agreed by leading coral reef and

climate change scientists that atmospheric CO2 concentrations need to be significantly

below 350 ppm1. A major reduction of CO2 emissions combined with active removal of

atmospheric CO2 through the use of carbon sinks and geoengineering techniques is

critically needed to ensure the long term future of coral reefs.

In addition to saving coral reefs as a functional ecosystem, we also need to plan for the

anticipated consequences of further coral reef degradation. The predicted socio-

economic consequences of a large-scale coral reef collapse are not fully understood

yet, but are likely to be severe. Forecasting and planning for these socio-economic

effects is an absolute priority if we are to minimise the impacts on coastal populations of

increased levels of poverty, migration, malnutrition and insecurity. Initial forecasts for the

climate change induced loss of fisheries in the tropics indicate that catches could

decrease by up to 40% by 2100 at present rates of greenhouse gas emissions5.

Economic losses for Caribbean coral reefs in terms of fisheries, tourism and shoreline

protection were estimated at US $350-870 million per year up to 20156.

New policies need to be implemented immediately in order to firstly try to saveNew policies need to be implemented immediately in order to firstly try to saveNew policies need to be implemented immediately in order to firstly try to saveNew policies need to be implemented immediately in order to firstly try to save

corals reefs as a functional ecosystem, but also start to plan for the anticipatedcorals reefs as a functional ecosystem, but also start to plan for the anticipatedcorals reefs as a functional ecosystem, but also start to plan for the anticipatedcorals reefs as a functional ecosystem, but also start to plan for the anticipated

consequences of global coral reef degradation.consequences of global coral reef degradation.consequences of global coral reef degradation.consequences of global coral reef degradation.

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for conservation science and applied conservation

(registered charity in England and Wales). ZSLs Mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying

out field conservation and research in over 80 countries across the globe, carrying out original scientific research at our Institute of Zoology, and through

education and awareness at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

Copyright Photographer Copyright Photographer Copyright Photographer Copyright Photographer

Coral reefs in decline

J.E.N. Veron / Corals of the World J.E.N. Veron / Corals of the World J.E.N. Veron / Corals of the World J.E.N. Veron / Corals of the World

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Coral Reefs and Climate ChangeKey Recommendations

ZSL ConservationZSL ConservationZSL ConservationZSL Conservation

Planning for climate changeimpacts on coral reefs

Improve our understanding of the consequencesImprove our understanding of the consequencesImprove our understanding of the consequencesImprove our understanding of the consequences of coral reef

degradation by providing funding for research into the likely biophysical

and socio-economic consequences of the loss of coral reefs as a

functioning ecosystem.

Develop remedial optionsDevelop remedial optionsDevelop remedial optionsDevelop remedial options by providing funding for research into the

feasibility and use of techniques to a. artificially raise the pH levels of

tropical coastal waters to mitigate the effect of ocean acidification on

reef organisms and b. shade or otherwise cool reefs to prevent

bleaching.

Support longSupport longSupport longSupport long----term mitigationterm mitigationterm mitigationterm mitigation by funding research into cryogenic

preservation of coral reef species and the establishment of a global

coral repository to store reef biota until favourable conditions return.

Plan for the socioeconomic consequences of coral reef collapsePlan for the socioeconomic consequences of coral reef collapsePlan for the socioeconomic consequences of coral reef collapsePlan for the socioeconomic consequences of coral reef collapse

such as:

Reduced coastal protection and increased coastal flooding;

Poverty and food security issues resulting from lost livelihoods

and marine food resources;

Human population migration away from coasts, and effects on

associated environments; Overfishing of remaining marine resources in coastal waters;

Effects on trade and markets loss of small-scale fisheries;

Large-scale loss of marine biodiversity;

Any effects on associated marine ecosystems and biota

estuaries, mangroves, seagrass beds, deep or pelagic waters,

marine mammals, reptiles and seabirds.

Saving coral reefs as a

functional ecosystemReduce emissionsReduce emissionsReduce emissionsReduce emissions to stabilise atmospheric CO2

concentrations and once stabilised, reduce atmospheric

CO2 concentrations to below 350 ppm (ideally