Dive in and discover the beautiful underwater world of coral reefs teeming with a kaleidoscope of life. These iconic super structures are the most diverse ecosystems in the ocean and amongst the most diverse on Earth.  Around 1-3 million different species of animals and plants live on coral reefs, and yet shamefully our actions have put them in terrible jeopardy.  Coral reefs and many of the species that depend on them could be extinct in the next 50 years.

Increasing levels of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions are warming the seas and making them more acidic, turning the amazingly rich and colourful coral reefs into skeletons of their former selves. Without urgent action, they will very soon quite simply cease to exist as a functioning ecosystem, and with them we will lose most of the estimated US$172 – 372 billion value they provide in goods and ecosystem services each year.  Half a billion people, that’s 8% of the world population, heavily depend on reefs for food, coastal protection, building materials and income from tourism.

But it is not too late; we have a short window of opportunity to make a change! At current rates of carbon dioxide emissions we can expect to reach 450 parts per million (ppm) in the atmosphere in the next 20 years.  Reducing the atmospheric CO₂ to below 350 ppm will slow climate change and give coral reefs precious time.

These ancient ecosystems first appeared more than 400 million years ago, and have evolved to support a diverse array of exotic and often cryptic life forms.  Individual coral animals, most of which exist together in colonies, are the building blocks of the reef. These reef forming corals have built the largest natural structures on Earth such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.  A phenomenal achievement for these tiny animals, many of whom are no larger than a pin head.

They provide the perfect habitat for millions of different species of fish, crustaceans, sponges, soft corals, molluscs, echinoderms, and worms, to name but a few. These creatures have evolved to fill every niche on the reef and many are intrinsically linked to one another in complex relationships. Coral reef species come in an elaborate variety of colours, shapes and sizes and have a mind-boggling range of approaches to staying alive.

Related links:

• ZSL's climate change work
• Globe International's Copenhagen Legislators Portal
• Earth-touch

To learn more about these intriguingly diverse and often bizarre creatures join us in 2010 for the launch of Coral Reef Ecosystem on the EDGE!