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WWF case study: The Coral Triangle and Climate Change: Ecosystems People and Societies at Risk
Summary:
Stretching across six countries in Southeast Asia and Melanesia (Indonesia, the Philippines,
Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Timor Leste), the Coral Triangle contains the
richest marine ecosystems on earth.
Coastal ecosystems in the Coral Triangle are already being impacted by warming, acidifying and
rising seas. Coral reefs have experienced severe mass bleaching events across the region, which, if they increase in intensity and frequency, threaten to seriously degrade these important ecosystems. Mangroves face similar problems with rising sea levels threatening their future. With the build up of coastal infrastructure, there is no place for mangroves to retreat. The downstream effects on human beings of losing these critical coastal ecosystems are enormous.
There are a number of actions, which, if implemented by regional and world leaders, will avoid this crisis.
Adaptation Experience:
Results and Learning:
Analysis of the potential impacts of climate change on the Coral Triangle leads to a number of policy actions for international leaders to consider. First and foremost we must prioritise significant CO2 emission reduction in order to reduce the severity of the effects we can otherwise expect - leading us toward the best case rather than worst case scenario. This is essential as even the best case scenario is rife with challenges to communities and natural resources in the region, with very signifi cant losses to be expected. Second, climate change adaptation strategies must be applied as rapidly as possible, since delays in applying these strategies will result in insurmountable change, missed opportunities, reduced options and a more daunting task with less chance of success.
Sustainability:
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Replication:
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