Climate change poses a pervasive threat to the structural basis of coastal ecosystems
In short: A review of marine foundation species, such as corals, kelps, and mangroves, found that climate change is already severely impacting the organisms that provide the structural habitat for coastal life. While these species are vital for biodiversity and ecosystem services, they are facing significant threats from rising temperatures and extreme heatwaves.
The study highlights that while factors like ocean acidification and sea level rise are growing threats, gradual warming and heatwaves are currently the most widespread drivers of damage. These impacts manifest as changes in the genetics, physiology, and distribution of foundation species, which can trigger a domino effect on entire marine communities.
This review synthesized existing research across various geographical contexts to identify common trends. However, because it is a review of diverse species and environments, the specific severity of impacts can vary significantly depending on local conditions and additional human stressors like pollution.
Why it matters: Protecting foundation species is critical for maintaining the structural integrity and biodiversity of our world's coastal environments.
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Sources
- Source: Research: Wernberg et al. (2023). Impacts of Climate Change on Marine Foundation Species. Annual Review of Marine Science. · cc-by-nc
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