Photo credit: cesar harada

John,

A major new international report highlights the impact of climate change on coral reefs: They’re disappearing at an unprecedented rate.

According to the report, 14% of the world’s coral reefs have been lost since 2009 as a result of climate change.

The shocking number highlights the devastating consequences of unchecked climate change on the environment. Reefs that used to bounce back after bleaching events no longer are.

But at the same time, the report holds out hope of saving some coral reefs if we move quickly to rein in greenhouse gases.

Coral reefs provide significant benefits to humans, even though they only cover a small fraction of the ocean floor. Hundreds of millions of people rely on their fish for protein. They protect coasts from storm surges. And billions of dollars a year are spent on tourism to reefs.

Altogether, it’s estimated coral reefs are responsible for nearly $3 trillion annually in goods and services.

But unless governments step up to reduce climate change immediately, coral reefs will be a thing of the past by the turn of the century at the current rate of destruction.

John, we need SEEC members in Congress who will fight to save natural wonders like coral reefs. Can you contribute right away to help elect more SEEC members to take on this fight?

The good news in the report is the emphasis that coral reefs could recover or regenerate if the world community limits greenhouse gas emissions and we tackle other forms of pollution.

John, help us elect more SEEC members to Congress who will work to preserve our coral reefs by tackling climate change and destructive pollution →

— SEEC PAC