Rewilding could help vulnerable islands keep pace with rising seas
Summary
Scientists studied 28 coral atoll islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans and found that healthy ecosystems help these islands keep up with rising sea levels. Seabirds, native plants, and coral reefs work together to build and stabilize islands, and restoring these natural systems can improve their chances of surviving climate change.Key Facts
- Coral atoll islands face serious threats from global warming and rising seas.
- Healthy ecosystems with native plants and abundant seabird populations help islands adapt naturally.
- Seabirds bring nutrients from the ocean to the islands through their guano (bird droppings), which supports plant and coral growth.
- Parrotfish and other reef organisms turn dead coral into sand that helps maintain beaches.
- Replacing coconut plantations with native forests and removing invasive rats can improve island resilience.
- The study included islands from the Seychelles, Chagos archipelagos, and Tetiaroa in French Polynesia.
- Healthy coral reefs grow quickly and help build the island’s structure, protecting it from waves.
- The research used a method called ecosystem energetics, which looks at energy flow between ocean, land, plants, and animals.
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