The Importance of Coral Reefs and How Climate Change Is Killing Them

Beneath ocean waves, cities of coral stretch for miles, teeming with life and protecting our shores. Though their beauty draws tourists and photographers, these ancient creatures do much more than create underwater postcards: They guard coastlines, feed nations, and even help create medicines that save lives (2).

Nature's Living Shield

Think of waves crashing on a beach. Without coral reefs to block the waves, they would crash fully and powerfully onto coasts, eroding shores and threatening homes. Reefs can break up to 97% of wave energy before it reaches land, thus saving the homes of millions of people living along coastlines (2).

The Underwater Marketplace