This chapter discusses the effects of rising sea temperatures on coral reefs, leading to coral bleaching and loss of biodiversity. It explores the research and analysis conducted on the impact of warming seas on coral reefs, indicating that bleaching events will occur every year by 2040. The chapter emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate change to prevent irreversible damage to coral reefs.
Science Weekly revisits episode one of this 2023 mini-series from Full Story. Pioneering Australian scientists Graeme Pearman, Lesley Hughes and Ove Hoegh-Guldberg saw the climate crisis coming. Pearman predicted the increase of carbon dioxide levels, Hughes foresaw the alarming number of species extinctions and Hoegh-Guldberg forecast the mass coral bleaching events we’re seeing today. All three went on to become some of the country’s most respected experts in their fields, travelling the globe, briefing leaders, and assuming the world would take action having heard their alarming findings. In part one of this three-part series, these climate change scientists reveal the moment they realised the planet was heading for certain catastrophe. What did they do when they found out? How did they think the world would respond? And how do they feel today, looking back on that moment of cognisance?. Help support our independent journalism at
theguardian.com/sciencepod