Assess the Impact of Temperature Changes on Coral Reefs, Mitigation, and Adaptation Strategies: A Review

Coral reefs are the most diverse marine ecosystems, containing hundreds of thousands of diverse species together with their biological richness, attractiveness, and significant output. This review examines the scientific literature on coral bleaching, mortality rates, and ecosystem disruptions caused by climate change, particularly temperature changes, and evaluates current mitigation and adaptation techniques for protecting coral reef ecosystems at local, regional, and global levels. By consulting and studying twenty research articles produced between 1998 and 2019, information was obtained and was used to compose this particular review. The scientific literature claims that over the last century, sea temperature in many tropical locations has risen by almost 1 °C, and currently rising at a rate of about 1–2 °C per each century. Over the past 20 years, there have been periods of higher water temperatures that have been linked to mass coral bleaching, which is the loss of zooxanthellae as a result of prolonged photoinhibition. Worldwide, coral reefs are predicted to suffer significantly within 20–30 years due to increasing sea temperatures, even with moderate greenhouse scenarios. By 2040, the most reefs will experience more extensive bleaching events than the 1998. Human-caused aerosol cooling will have negligible impact, with the Great Barrier Reef changing at a slower rate. The UN Decade of Ocean Science and SDGs aim for a healthy, resilient, safe, sustainably harvested, and biodiverse ocean. Reducing emissions by 2030 requires both ocean-based mitigation and significant adaptation measures. Coordinated mitigation strategies, immediate emissions reductions, and cooperation across governing bodies are essential for ensuring sustainable development and preserving marine social–ecological systems like coral reefs. Aside from monitoring and data sharing, investments in education, climate literacy, and social vulnerability mitigation are also critical.