Top 12 Coral Reef Rescue Missions: The 7th Method Sparks Hope

10. Climate Change Mitigation Strategies

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Many conservation initiatives are now concentrating on more general climate change mitigating techniques as it is clear that coral reefs are most threatened long term by climate change. Though worldwide in scope, these projects have major effects on the survival of coral reefs. Among these are initiatives towards carbon sequestration, renewable energy promotion, and lowering of greenhouse gas emissions. Locally, coral reef preservation groups are working with companies and governments to create climate change plans especially addressing the requirements of reef ecosystems. These plans sometimes call for building shade structures or using cooling systems in very sensitive regions to help to lower local heat stress on reefs. Furthermore under increasing focus is research on the carbon sequestration capacity of coastal ecosystems—including coral reefs themselves. Aiming to protect and restore mangroves, seagrass beds, and salt marshes—which can store large volumes of carbon and also provide vital habitat for reef-associated species—so-called "blue carbon" projects seek to Although climate change presents enormous problems, these combined strategies give hope for raising coral reef ecosystem resilience against global warming. [ 4]