One of the world’s natural resources that is under greatest environmental attack is its coral reefs. In many parts of the world they contribute food and tourism attractions, while playing a preventative role in beach erosion. The countless number of aquatic species that benefit from their existence is largely unrivalled in the rest of the earth's oceans.
But most coral reefs are undergoing significant man-made threats. Scientists note that roughly 20% of the world’s coral reefs have been effectively destroyed. In Jamaica, nearly all of the reefs are dying or dead. Three notable challenges include global climate change, overfishing and coastal development and the negative impact it has on the local environment. To learn more about the issues facing the world’s coral reefs, visit globalissues.org here.