Climate change could wipe out coral reefs by 2100: scientists Climate change could destroy nearly all remaining coral reefs by the end of the century, according to research released Monday at the annual Ocean Sciences Meeting in San Diego. Increased ocean temperatures are a particular risk to corals, as warmer temperatures prompt them to release symbiotic algae that bleaches them, putting them at higher risk of death. Researchers led by Renee Setter, a biogeographer at the University of Hawaii Manoa, found most parts of the ocean where reefs currently exist will not be suitable habitats by 2045, based on a model that simulated increased surface temperature, acidity, pollution and overfishing. “Trying to clean up the beaches is great and trying to combat pollution is fantastic. We need to continue those efforts,” Setter said. “But at the end of the day, fighting climate change is really what we need to […]