What is the current status of coral reefs globally?

According to the report, 84% of the world's coral reefs were under severe heat stress as of April 2025, marking the "most extensive and intense" mass bleaching event ever recorded.

How will the collapse of coral reefs impact people and the environment?

The report states that coral reefs support the livelihoods of approximately 1 billion people globally, and their deterioration would have devastating economic and environmental consequences.

What is the recommended action to prevent further climate tipping points?

The report's authors urge immediate, unprecedented action from world leaders to address the climate crisis and reduce greenhouse gas emissions as quickly as possible to preserve remaining coral and other vital systems.

Home / Environment / Coral Reefs Reach Unprecedented Climate Tipping Point

Coral Reefs Reach Unprecedented Climate Tipping Point

13 Oct

•

Summary

Coral reefs are the first environmental system to pass a climate "tipping point"
Warming oceans have caused widespread coral bleaching and death
Urgent action needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save remaining reefs

Coral Reefs Reach Unprecedented Climate Tipping Point

According to a new report released in October 2025, coral reefs around the world have become the first environmental system on Earth to pass a critical climate "tipping point." The report, published by researchers at the University of Exeter's Global Systems Institute, examines the fundamental processes that support life on the planet and their proximity to thresholds that may signal permanent damage.

The authors state that tipping points represent "critical thresholds in Earth's climate system where small changes can lead to significant, often irreversible consequences." They warn that the world is "rapidly approaching multiple Earth system tipping points that could transform our world, with devastating consequences for people and nature."

The report highlights the dire situation facing coral reefs, which have suffered extensively in warming oceans. In April 2025, the International Coral Reef Initiative announced that an estimated 84% of the world's coral reefs were under severe heat stress, marking the "most extensive and intense" mass bleaching event ever recorded. This has led to widespread coral death, with scientists estimating that 70-90% of reefs could be lost if global warming reaches 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.