Coral reef scientists raise alarm as climate change decimates ocean ecosystems vital to fish and humans

During a 2015 heat wave, scientists watched as a coral reef died before their eyes. By the end of the century, almost all the world's corals will be gone if climate change continues at this pace.

Sam Purkis, Professor and Chair of the Department of Marine Sciences, University of Miami • conversation
July 20, 2021 ~12 min

World's coral scientists warn action is needed now to save even a few reefs from climate change

During a 2015 heat wave, scientists watched as a coral reef died before their eyes. By the end of the century, almost all the world's corals will be gone if climate change continues at this pace.

Sam Purkis, Professor and Chair of the Department of Marine Sciences, University of Miami • conversation
July 20, 2021 ~12 min


Sharks that hunted near Antarctica millions of years ago recorded Earth's climate history in their teeth

These giant predators are helping solve the mystery of Earth's cooling shift some 50 million years ago.

Sora Kim, Assistant Professor of Paleoecology, University of California, Merced • conversation
July 12, 2021 ~8 min

Ancient shark teeth lost in Antarctica millions of years ago recorded Earth's climate history

These giant predators are helping solve the mystery of Earth's cooling shift some 50-30 million years ago.

Sora Kim, Assistant Professor of Paleoecology, University of California, Merced • conversation
July 12, 2021 ~8 min

COVID-19 made deep-sea mining more tempting for some Pacific islands – this could be a problem

Contracts for exploring the deep sea are due to expire before a safe mining code can be agreed.

Sue Farran, Reader of Law, Newcastle University • conversation
June 14, 2021 ~7 min

The ocean economy is booming: who is making money, who is paying the price? Podcast

Plus, why Brazilian women who lived through Zika are avoiding getting pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen to episode 18 of The Conversation Weekly podcast.

Daniel Merino, Assistant Editor: Science, Health, Environment; Co-Host: The Conversation Weekly Podcast • conversation
June 3, 2021 ~5 min

Watching a coral reef die as climate change devastates one of the most pristine tropical island areas on Earth

Scientists watched in real time as rising ocean heat transformed the sprawling reef. It was a harbinger for ecosystems everywhere as the planet warms.

Sam Purkis, Professor and Chair of the Department of Marine Sciences, University of Miami • conversation
April 29, 2021 ~9 min

This supermoon has a twist – expect flooding, but a lunar cycle is masking effects of sea level rise

That doesn't mean sea level rise has stopped – it hasn't. When that lunar cycle starts upward again, it will mean double trouble for places like Miami.

Brian McNoldy, Senior Research Associate, University of Miami • conversation
April 23, 2021 ~7 min


The ocean is becoming more stable – here's why that might not be a good thing

Climate change is strengthening the division between the ocean surface and the abyss.

Phil Hosegood, Associate Professor in Physical Oceanography, University of Plymouth • conversation
April 7, 2021 ~7 min

Farming fish in fresh water is more affordable and sustainable than in the ocean

Aquaculture is a growing source of healthy protein for millions of people around the world, but there are big differences between farming fish on land and at sea.

Wenbo Zhang, Lecturer in Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University • conversation
March 26, 2021 ~9 min

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