What is the Mission: Iconic Reefs project?

The Mission: Iconic Reefs project is a multi-agency effort to restore seven coral reefs along the Florida Keys, with the goal of getting the reefs healthy and stable so they can start to grow on their own.

How serious is the threat to the planet's coral reefs?

According to experts, the threat to the world's coral reefs is very serious. Coral reefs support the livelihoods of half a billion people and provide ecosystem services valued at over $2 trillion per year, but almost 15% of the planet's reefs have vanished since 2009.

What is a 'tipping point' for coral reefs?

Scientists say the coral reef tipping point is likely around 1.2 degrees Celsius (more than 2 degrees Fahrenheit) of global warming, and at a maximum of 1.5 degrees. The world has already spent most of the time at 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, causing severe bleaching impacts on 80% of the world's coral reefs.

Home / Environment / Coral Reefs Reach Tipping Point, Ecosystems Worldwide at Risk

Coral Reefs Reach Tipping Point, Ecosystems Worldwide at Risk

13 Oct

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Summary

Florida Keys reefs being restored through multi-agency project
Scientists say coral reefs have passed tipping point due to climate change
Widespread coral dieback expected unless global warming is reversed

Coral Reefs Reach Tipping Point, Ecosystems Worldwide at Risk

In a concerning development, scientists have determined that the world's coral reefs have now reached a tipping point due to the impacts of human-caused climate change. According to a report released on October 13, 2025, warm-water coral reefs - which support the livelihoods of nearly a billion people and a quarter of all marine life - are "passing their tipping point."

The report states that widespread coral dieback is already taking place, and unless global warming is urgently reversed, the extensive reefs as we know them will be lost, although small refuges may survive and must be protected. Experts not involved in the report agree that many reefs, especially in Florida and the Caribbean, have already passed their tipping point.

In response to this crisis, a multi-agency project called Mission: Iconic Reefs is currently underway to restore seven coral reefs along the Florida Keys. The goal is to get these reefs healthy and stable so they can start to grow on their own, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the dire global outlook for these vital ecosystems.

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