Scientists Warn Coral Reefs Near Irreversible Collapse as Climate Tipping Points Approach

Scientists Warn Coral Reefs Near Irreversible Collapse as Climate Tipping Points Approach
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Global warming is crossing dangerous thresholds sooner than anticipated, with the world’s coral reefs facing an almost irreversible die-off, Reuters reported. A new Global Tipping Points report, compiled by 160 scientists, warns that the Earth is nearing critical tipping points that could trigger irreversible environmental damage.

The report, released ahead of the upcoming COP30 summit in Brazil, highlights that the Amazon rainforest could collapse if global temperatures exceed 1.5°C, while the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)—a major ocean current regulating Europe’s climate—may also be disrupted. Scientists described the findings as evidence that “change is happening fast” across ecosystems.

Despite the alarming trends, the study pointed to progress in renewable energy, noting that renewables surpassed coal in global electricity generation for the first time this year. Researchers urged world leaders to intensify efforts to cut carbon emissions during COP30. According to U.N. and EU data, global temperatures have already risen by 1.3–1.4°C above preindustrial levels, making the past two years the warmest on record.

Marine heatwaves have bleached 84% of the planet’s coral reefs, which support a quarter of marine life. Scientists warned that reversing the damage requires reducing temperatures to 1°C above preindustrial averages.