Dire prediction for future of coral reefs

THE outlook for the world’s coral reefs is incredibly grim with a new report highlighting what needs to be done to save the incredible marine ecosystems.

Scientists fear the majority of these natural wonders could be eroding within 30 years if humans don’t cut emissions now.

Even under the most promising scenario, there will be a dramatic reduction in coral reef growth globally.

If emissions continue to rise unchanged, about 94 per cent of coral reefs will be disappearing by 2050.

The worst-case outcome would mean most coral would no longer be able to grow vertically by 2100.

The international study, which included Australian researchers from

Western Australia and Queensland, looked at how coral reefs would react to ocean acidification and warming under three different climate change carbon dioxide scenarios – low, medium and worst-case.

To give coral reefs the best chance of continuing to expand in the future, drastic reductions in carbon dioxide emissions were needed, the scientists said.