A recent article by ZEIT ONLINE, published on the 21st of November 2022 around the rainforests of the oceans can still be saved, featured two researchers from the DFG Priority Programme SPP 2299, on Tropical Climate Variability & Coral Reefs.
The recent Climate Change Conference (COP27) held in Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt was a crucial opportunity for world leaders to take action for the resilience of coral reefs and coastal communities. Thomas Felis, Coordinator of the DFG Priority Programme SPP 2299, on Tropical Climate Variability & Coral Reefs; and Christian Wild, a Professor within the SPP2299 programme, talked about the importance of coral reefs and the challenges these ecosystems face currently and in the future. Additionally there was a focus on ‘The Coral Reef Rescue Plan’ and the potential progress in the COP27.
“Twenty years ago, I was very skeptical about ideas for coral reef restoration, but now a lot has really happened,” says Thomas Felis. The coral researcher observes a new energy among his colleagues. “In the past, the mood at symposia was almost always broken. Everyone has only ever reported where another reef has died and how terrible the development is. Today, there is an innovative spirit of optimism, especially among young researchers,” says Felis. “There is now a consensus: We will do something, and we will do it now.”
Sourced from ZEIT ONLINE – author Friederike Walch-Nasseri