"Vanishing Wonders" investigates the perplexing decline of coral reefs. It looks at the different causes of their decrease, including modifications to the environment, effects on the climate, and activities by humans. The study sheds insight into the complex web of causes that is causing the extinction of these crucial marine ecosystems.

Why are coral reefs disappearing?

More than 25% of all recorded marine species are found under the seafloor in an enormous collection of dynamic skeletal-like invertebrates. Hard and soft corals both serve as the foundation for healthy coral reefs, which are among the most ecologically varied and important habitats in the world. They assist hundreds of millions of people in terms of culture, economy, recreation, and social well-being. They protect shorelines from storm damage and provide them as a source of medication. They are also dying. Coral reefs are facing constant threats from a variety of global and local challenges, such as warming temperatures, diminishing water quality, pollution, excess fishing, and irresponsible development of coastlines. "Coral reefs are among the most susceptible ecosystems in the world to the devastation of human activity," says Gabriel Grimsditch, a marine ecosystems expert with the Environment Program of the United Nations (UNEP). "They are particularly exposed to the impacts of climate change and higher temperatures in the oceans, and massive bleaching of coral and fatality events are expected to become more frequent and intense as temperatures rise."

How well are the world's coral reefs doing?

In response to the "Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2020" study, which was collaborated on by UNEP, the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN), and various international partners, 14% of the world's corals were lost between 2009 and 2018. Without a significant effort to restrict global warming to 1.5°C, living coral on reefs may decline by 70-90 percent by 2050. Even if emissions of greenhouse gasses are drastically reduced, global temperatures of the oceans may take generations to normalize.

How can we contribute to helping rescue the coral reefs?

Administrators must be resolute in directing immediate climate change efforts to safeguard the survival of coral reefs. For example, adding coral reefs as a priority ecosystem in the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity will make governments, companies, and various other entities responsible for protecting their health. Further to the aims of the Paris Agreement, decision-makers must continue beyond the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow to ensure the survival of coral reefs. In the meantime, minimizing anthropogenic stresses at the local level through law, education, and other measures would increase reef resilience. "If we want coral reefs to survive for future generations to enjoy and benefit from them, climate action and localized threat reduction must go hand in hand."

Conclusion,"Vanishing Wonders" believes that coral reef extinction is a complicated issue caused by a mix of natural pressures and human activities. Urgent worldwide efforts are required to solve these issues and safeguard these important ecosystems before they are gone eternally.