Coral Reefs Could Possibly Adapt To Climate Change

By Mary Nugent, 2024

Published 10/11/22

Recently, more and more studies have begun to show that coral reefs may be able to adapt to future climate changes and become more resilient against temperature variations. A new article from Rutgers University claims that it is vital to protect the current diversity of coral reefs, as these sea plants can only evolve through a certain process. The reefs breed in specific ways in order to combine those that have adapted with those corals which have not yet, as stated by an article from Rutgers University. In order to protect the reefs, it is crucial to protect those currently in stable conditions and able to regenerate as well as adapt, so they can further navigate new temperatures. As coral reefs around the world adapt slowly but surely to rising global temperatures, there is more hope for sustaining coral reefs in the future. In fact, it is predicted that with these changes and evolutions of coral reefs over time as different types breed together, the reefs may even be able to thrive despite the climate crisis. Considering that the biodiversity provided by coral reefs significantly supports the ecosystem in which humans live, it is a necessity to help them in any way possible. If change does not occur to aid coral reefs in adapting, up to ninety-nine percent of coral reefs could be lost in the next century, according to Rutgers. Therefore, if humans take part in caring for the coral reefs through decreasing litter and shrinking effects of localized human activities, coral reefs will be able to adapt with climate change and thrive as they once did in the future.