The coral triangle and climate change: ecosystems, people and societies at risk
This report sets out the full extent of the threats and proposes solutions to the challenges facing the Coral Triangle and its people. Based on a thorough consideration of the climate, biology, economics and social characteristics of the region, it shows why these challenges are increasing, and how unchecked climate change will ultimately undermine and destroy
ecosystems and livelihoods in the Coral Triangle. The report offers two possible scenarios for the future. In one world, the international community continues down a track towards catastrophic climate change and the Coral Triangle
countries do little to protect coastal ecosystems from the onslaught of local threats. In this world, the biological treasures of the region are destroyed by rapid increases in ocean temperature, acidity and sea level, while the resilience of coastal ecosystems deteriorates under ineffective coastal management. Poverty increases, food security plummets, economies suffer and coastal people migrate increasingly to urban centres.