Coral Reefs Under Rapid Climate Change and Ocean Acidification
The University of Queensland · University of Exeter · +2 more institutions
Abstract
Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration is expected to exceed 500 parts per million and global temperatures to rise by at least 2 degrees C by 2050 to 2100, values that significantly exceed those of at least the past 420,000 years during which most extant marine organisms evolved. Under conditions expected in the 21st century, global warming and ocean acidification will compromise carbonate accretion, with corals becoming increasingly rare on reef systems. The result will be less diverse reef communities and carbonate reef structures that fail to be maintained. Climate change also exacerbates local stresses from declining water quality and overexploitation of key species, driving reefs increasingly toward the…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 189.45
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 52
Authors
17- OHOve Hoegh‐GuldbergCorresponding
The University of Queensland, University of Exeter, Office of Research Services, University of Maine
- PJPeter J. Mumby
The University of Queensland, University of Exeter, Office of Research Services, University of Maine
- AJAnthony J. Hooten
The University of Queensland, University of Exeter, Office of Research Services, University of Maine
- RSRobert S. Steneck
The University of Queensland, University of Exeter, Office of Research Services, University of Maine
- PGPaul Greenfield
The University of Queensland, University of Exeter, Office of Research Services, University of Maine
Topics & keywords
- Ocean acidification
- Coral reef
- Reef
- Resilience of coral reefs
- Overexploitation
- Marine ecosystem
- Climate change
- Environmental science
- Life below water