IUCN: 96% of coral reefs now critically endangered

· Climate · Australia

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classified 96% of the world's assessed coral reef systems as "critically endangered" in its first global assessment, warning that almost all shallow-water reefs face ecosystem collapse by 2075. The assessment covers reefs across 80 countries, including Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Global heating is the main driver, with marine heatwaves causing repeated bleaching. Scientists said the figure should serve as a wake-up call, noting that reefs support fisheries, coastal protection and tourism for hundreds of millions of people. The classification is the world authority's most severe category for threatened ecosystems and could influence conservation funding and policy.

Why it matters：Losing nearly all shallow reefs would devastate fisheries and coastal protection for hundreds of millions of people, and the rating raises pressure on governments ahead of climate talks.

Key points

  • First global assessment by the IUCN, covering reefs in 80 countries
  • 96% of assessed reef systems rated critically endangered
  • Global heating and marine heatwaves cited as main drivers

Sources (original reporting)

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