Comment: Coral reefs are vanishing fast. We must act now to protect these vital ecosystems

January 21 - The world’s coral reefs are in the midst of an ecological crisis. These vital ecosystems, home to a quarter of all marine species and a lifeline for more than a billion people, are under unprecedented threat. The fourth mass bleaching event, currently under way, is the most extensive ever recorded, affecting nearly 80% of coral reefs. Without swift action, these critical ecosystems could effectively vanish within decades.

Coral reefs are more than natural wonders: they are an essential Earth system, supporting marine life, food security, livelihoods, development of medicines and coastal defense. Yet public and private leaders are failing to respond to the crisis, largely ignoring alarm bells that are ringing out from the scientific community.