Climate change jeopardises biodiversity and livelihoods worldwide and threatens coral reef ecosystems. With an increase in sea surface temperatures, ocean acidification and storm intensity, these ecosystems become more unstable, subsequently impacting marine biodiversity and the socio-economic systems that rely on them. This paper aimed to explore the complex, bidirectional interactions between humans and coral reefs, emphasising the need to understand coral resilience and develop adaptation strategies. This study employed an integrated approach to examine how ecological and social systems are interconnected and proposed mitigation measures and sustainable practices necessary to preserve coral reef ecosystems. Due to these findings, climate-sensitive strategies are urgently needed to ensure the survival of coral reefs and the resilience of the communities that depend on them.