Scientists have uncovered a new threat to the world’s endangered coral reefs. They have found that most are incapable of growing quickly enough to compensate for rising sea levels triggered by global warming. The study suggests that reefs – which are already suffering serious degradation because the world’s seas are warming and becoming more acidic – could also become overwhelmed by rising oceans.
The research – led by scientists at Exeter University and published in Nature this week – involved studying growth rates for more than 200 tropical western Atlantic and Indian Ocean reefs. It was found only 9% of these reefs had the ability to keep up with even the most optimistic rates of sea-level rises forecast by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. “For many reefs across the Caribbean and Indian Ocean regions, where the study focused, rates of growth are slowing due to coral reef degradation,” said Professor Chris Perry, of Exeter University. “Meanwhile, rates of sea-level rise are increasing – and our results suggest reefs will be unable to keep up. As a result, water depths above most reefs will increase rapidly through this century.”
Sea levels rose by several inches over the past century and measurements indicate the speed of this increase is now rising significantly. Two key factors are involved: climate change is making ocean water warmer and so it expands. And as ice sheets and glaciers melt, they increase the amount of water in the oceans.
At the same time, reefs are being weakened by ocean warming and also by ocean acidification, triggered as the seas absorb more and more carbon dioxide. These effects lead to bleaching events that kill off vast stretches of coral and limit their ability to grow.
“Our predictions, even under the best case scenarios, suggest that by 2100, the inundation of reefs will expose coastal communities to significant threats of shoreline change,” said co-author Prof Peter Mumby of Queensland University. This point was backed by US marine scientist Ilsa Kuffner writing in a separate comment piece for Nature. “The implications of the study are dire. Many island nations and territories are set to quickly lose crucial natural resources.”

[I] This multifaceted interaction between tourists and host populations has sparked a complex dialogue about cultural identity, authenticity, and the preservation of indigenous traditions in the face of globalization. [II] As borders become more permeable and travel becomes more accessible, the blending of cultures has both enriched societies and posed challenges to maintaining distinct cultural identities. [III] While tourism fosters mutual understanding and appreciation, it also raises concerns about the dilution of traditional customs and the pressure on local communities to adapt to external influences. [IV]
One of the most salient effects of tourism on local cultures is the commodification of cultural practices and artifacts. As destinations seek to capitalize on their unique heritage, traditional rituals, crafts, and customs are often packaged and presented for tourist consumption. While this can lead to economic benefits and a renewed interest in cultural preservation, it also risks trivializing complex cultural elements, reducing them to mere spectacles or souvenirs.
The influx of foreign visitors and their accompanying values and behaviors can exert significant pressure on local communities to adapt. This cultural adaptation can manifest in various ways, from changes in local dress and cuisine to shifts in language use and social norms. In some cases, this leads to a homogenization of cultures, as destinations begin to cater more to international tastes and expectations, potentially eroding the very uniqueness that initially attracted visitors.
However, it would be overly simplistic to view tourism’s impact on local cultures as purely negative. Many communities have found ways to leverage tourism as a means of cultural revitalization and empowerment. By sharing their heritage with visitors, some groups have strengthened their own sense of identity and pride in their traditions. Additionally, the economic benefits of tourism can provide resources for cultural preservation efforts that might otherwise be unfeasible.
The concept of “glocalization” has emerged as a potential framework for understanding and managing the interaction between global tourism and local cultures. This approach emphasizes the importance of maintaining local distinctiveness while engaging with global trends and markets. Successful examples of glocalization in tourism often involve community-led initiatives that allow locals to maintain control over how their culture is presented and shared with visitors.
As the global tourism industry continues to evolve, particularly in the wake of technological advancements and changing travel patterns, the relationship between tourists and host communities remains dynamic. The challenge lies in fostering forms of tourism that promote genuine cultural exchange and understanding while safeguarding the integrity and authenticity of local traditions.