Likely increase in coral thermal tolerance at a Pacific archipelago

Abstract

Over the coming decades, reef-building corals will face ever hotter ocean temperatures, yet it remains unknown if their thermal tolerance can keep up with the pace of warming. A new study reveals that coral thermal tolerance in Palau has likely risen by 0.1 °C/decade since the late 1980s. Despite this ecological resilience, strong action on climate change remains a priority to protect coral reefs.