Coral reef: an ancient, fragile ocean backbone facing warming, acidification and upheaval; mapped refugia signal resilience amid climate stress.
A global assessment finds UNESCO-designated sites are under mounting climate pressures including heat, drought and extreme weather, with 2,260 sites covering 13 million sq km and supporting nearly 900 million people. While wildlife within sites remains relatively stable, the report warns of potential irreversible damage without stronger policy and investment. Kenya faces direct risks to Mount Kenya, Lake Turkana and Mount Elgon, where livelihoods depend on tourism, water resources and forests.
Scientists unveil climate refugia for corals, identifying 5,800 square miles of climate-resilient ocean across 72 countries. The findings, presented at a Kenyan conference, suggest reefs may persist longer than feared and shape conservation priorities. Researchers highlight gaps in protection and call for political will to safeguard resilient reefs.