Coral reefs have stabilized Earth's carbon cycle for the past 250 million years, research reveals https://phys.org/news/2025-12-coral-reefs-stabilized-earth-carbon.html
Coral reefs have stabilized Earth's carbon cycle for the past 250 million years, research reveals https://phys.org/news/2025-12-coral-reefs-stabilized-earth-carbon.html
Plants & Fungi category, second place: Galactic Ghost
‘During the autumn months, Tasmania sees a brief explosion of a short-lived bioluminescent fungus, the so-called ghost fungus (Omphalotus nidiformis) in secluded damp forest patches affixed to rotting trees.
Photograph: Benjamin Alldridge
#photography
#astrophotography
#fungus
#bioluminescence
#MilkyWay
Climate category, third place: Bleached
‘An unprecedented heatwave struck the coast of Western Australia during the summer of 2024-2025. We headed out to document the worst coral bleaching event ever recorded on the Ningaloo reef. White skeletons of suffering corals swept far beyond what our eyes could see. An estimated 60-80% of our reef was bleaching before our eyes.’
Photograph: Brooke Pyke
"The earth has reached its first catastrophic tipping point linked to greenhouse gas emissions, with warm water coral reefs now facing a long-term decline and risking the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people, according to a new report.
The report from scientists and conservationists warns the world is also “on the brink” of reaching other tipping points, including the dieback of the Amazon, the collapse of major ocean currents and the loss of ice sheets.
But some experts have questioned the report’s claims about the fate of coral reefs, with one saying while they are in decline there is evidence they could remain viable at higher temperatures than suggested.
Tipping points are recognised by scientists as moments when a major ecosystem reaches a point where severe degradation is inevitable.
The world’s coral reefs are home to about a quarter of all marine species but are considered one of the most vulnerable systems to global heating."
"The earth has reached its first catastrophic tipping point linked to greenhouse gas emissions, with warm water coral reefs now facing a long-term decline and risking the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people, according to a new report.
The report from scientists and conservationists warns the world is also “on the brink” of reaching other tipping points, including the dieback of the Amazon, the collapse of major ocean currents and the loss of ice sheets.
But some experts have questioned the report’s claims about the fate of coral reefs, with one saying while they are in decline there is evidence they could remain viable at higher temperatures than suggested.
Tipping points are recognised by scientists as moments when a major ecosystem reaches a point where severe degradation is inevitable.
The world’s coral reefs are home to about a quarter of all marine species but are considered one of the most vulnerable systems to global heating."
Other good news - scientists have found out that they can play music to coral reefs to lure back fish and coral larvae. The music consists of the sounds of living coral reefs, and can be played in dead and dying reef areas to revive them!
It is faster than planting the resistant corals by hand, but together doing both humanity has a chance to bring back the reefs.
Don't give up hope yet. <3
Other good news - scientists have found out that they can play music to coral reefs to lure back fish and coral larvae. The music consists of the sounds of living coral reefs, and can be played in dead and dying reef areas to revive them!
It is faster than planting the resistant corals by hand, but together doing both humanity has a chance to bring back the reefs.
Don't give up hope yet. <3
