Heat stress more dangerous to corals than ocean acidification

Global warming poses a more significant threat to coral growth and reef accretion than ocean acidification (OA), according to a new study. 

How heat stress affects corals more than ocean acidification?

• Ocean acidification slows the rate at which coral reefs generate calcium carbonate, thus slowing the growth of coral skeletons.
• Heat stress directly affects coral performance in hospite exacerbation of light stress in the symbionts, whereas ocean acidification induces moderate effects on coral metabolism, some of them even positive.
• As temperatures rise, mass coral bleaching events and infectious disease outbreaks are becoming more frequent.

Role of corals 

• Corals are animals. Coral reefs boost biodiversity, buffer storms and support the livelihoods of over one billion people.
• Coral reefs do not absorb carbon and do not play a direct role in climate change mitigation. However, they are important for climate adaptation.
• In the last decade, the world lost about 14 per cent of its coral reefs.

Required measures

• A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms that enable corals to tolerate heat can significantly improve coral reef conservation and restoration efforts