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New Scientist Weekly

Hope for the world’s coral; the first drone vs drone war

Oct 4, 2024
Join Chris Jury, a coral adaptation researcher at the University of Hawaii, as he discusses new hope for coral reefs facing climate change. Sam Wong reveals fascinating insights from ancient DNA, uncovering details about a 17,000-year-old child from Italy. Meanwhile, Jacob Aron dives into the evolution of drone warfare in Ukraine, exploring how strategic drone use is reshaping modern combat. This lively conversation weaves together themes of resilience, history, and the future of warfare.
23:32

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Some coral species may adapt to climate change, indicating a potential future for coral reefs if emissions are reduced.
  • The conflict in Ukraine has showcased drone warfare's evolution, raising critical questions about the future of military engagements and technology's role.

Deep dives

Coral Resilience Amid Climate Change

Coral reefs face significant threats from climate change, with projections estimating that warming of 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius could lead to a dramatic decline in coral populations. However, recent studies suggest that some coral species may possess the ability to adapt to hotter and more acidic ocean conditions. Researchers in Hawaii conducted experiments showing that while coral growth rates declined under stress, all tested species survived and displayed remarkable adaptability. The findings indicate that, under a low climate change scenario, coral reefs can still have a viable future, underscoring the critical importance of global emissions reductions to protect these ecosystems.

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