Are Coral Reefs Doomed? Changing? Ignored? What We Know So Far [SPECIAL REPORT]

You may have heard some mixed opinions about the state of coral reefs. Some will argue that coral conditions are in a natural flux, or that reefs will have time to adapt to our changing oceans. Others have found that coral populations have sustained irreparable damage. Now several new studies help show that things are a LOT more complicated than you might imagine.

Table of Contents:

What's Wrong With That Reef?

Why Should We Care?

Are They Really Doomed?

Can Science and Technology Help?

The Take-Away

So What's the Take Away of All This?

While the future of corals is still very much unclear, a need for action to protect them is not. Earlier this year, on World Ocean Day, United Nation's Secretary General Ban Ki-moon reminded us that "the oceans are vast - but their capacity to withstand human damage is limited."

"This year, governments are seeking to adopt landmark agreements on climate change and ending poverty," he said. "Corals sustain so much marine life... Given how critical oceans are to the health of our planet and the prosperity of people... we must commit to using the gifts of the oceans peacefully, equitably and sustainably for generations to come."

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