Coral reefs are vital lines of defence against hurricanes. But their future is in doubt

The same warm ocean temperatures that are supercharging storms in the Atlantic Ocean are also wreaking havoc on coral reefs, which help protect coastlines against the powerful waves caused by hurricanes and tropical storms.

Coral reefs are vital lines of defence against hurricanes. But their future is in doubt
Bleached coral is visible next to healthy coral during a scuba dive

The same warm ocean temperatures that are supercharging storms in the Atlantic Ocean are also wreaking havoc on coral reefs, which help protect coastlines against the powerful waves caused by hurricanes and tropical storms.