Here's how climate change can adversely affect coral reefs. (Image credit: NOAA)
Climate change is the greatest global threat to coral reef ecosystems, and scientific evidence now clearly indicates that the Earth's atmosphere and ocean are warming. A changing climate is affecting coral reef ecosystems through sea level rise, changes to the frequency and intensity of tropical storms, and altered ocean circulation patterns. When combined, all of these impacts dramatically alter ecosystem function, as well as the goods and services coral reef ecosystems provide to people around the globe. Our infographic explains the process, from sea-level rise to ocean acidificiation.