U.N. Envoy Urges More Protection for Coral Reefs Amid Global Bleaching Crisis
The UN envoy urges more protection for coral reefs as global bleaching worsens, calling for 30% of oceans to be designated as protected areas.
Tuesday, April 16, Peter Thomson, the United Nations’ special envoy for the ocean, expressed serious concerns over the insufficient global efforts to protect coral reefs. These marine ecosystems are vital for preserving biodiversity, supporting underwater life, and even contributing to the oxygen supply we depend on.
Thomson advocated for the inclusion of all significant coral reefs in the "30x30" initiative - a comprehensive plan aiming to designate 30% of the world's land and ocean areas as protected areas by the year 2030. This move is seen as essential to safeguard the threatened coral reefs and their accompanying ecosystems.
Worryingly, top reef scientists have reported that coral reefs are currently undergoing global bleaching for the fourth time, marking the second occurrence in just a decade. This alarming trend is a direct consequence of rising ocean temperatures attributed to human-induced climate change. Bleaching transpires when stressed coral expel the algae that sustain them, resulting in their vivid colors fading away. While coral can recover from this stress, severe and prolonged bleaching can ultimately lead to their demise.
According to scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and International Coral Reef Initiative, coral bleaching has been confirmed across at least 53 countries, territories, or local economies, all occurring since February 2023. Despite ongoing efforts to safeguard coral reefs globally, the predominant cause behind events like global bleaching remains the burning of fossil fuels, a practice that leads to greenhouse gas emissions and subsequent warming of the oceans.
Thomson emphasized that the efforts being made to protect coral reefs are inadequate, given the magnitude of the issue. He specifically pointed out the necessity for a transition away from burning fossil fuels to address the root cause of the problem.
The Impact and Value of Coral Reefs
Coral reefs, often likened to underwater rain forests, play a pivotal role in supporting approximately a quarter of all marine species. Additionally, they form crucial barriers that protect coastlines from the full impact of storms. The economic value of coral reefs is also significant, contributing billions of dollars through tourism, fishing, and other commercial activities.
The Call for Action
Thomson stressed the feasibility of including significant coral reefs in the "30x30" initiative as a crucial step in enhancing their protection. Safeguarding these reefs through measures similar to those of marine protected areas would be immensely valuable in ensuring their preservation. He underscored the inextricable link between a healthy planet and a healthy ocean, expressing deep concern over the current decline in the ocean's health.
As the U.N. secretary-general’s special envoy for the ocean, Thomson pledged to continue the fight for the protection of coral reefs. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the importance of not bequeathing a world devoid of coral to future generations.
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