A associação do branqueamento de corais da costa brasileira com as mudanças climáticas: uma síntese

Abstract

The oceans play a crucial role for planet Earth, highlighting their essential services for sustaining life, such as heat retention and providing habitat for numerous marine species. Additionally, oceans are vital for human subsistence, supplying food and other resources. However, ocean governance faces unique challenges, especially in the context of climate change. Coral reefs host a vast diversity of organisms. Nevertheless, the increasing pressure from human activities has caused significant damage to these ecosystems. Climate change, in particular, is a major factor in the degradation of coral reefs, primarily due to rising Sea Surface Temperatures (SST) and ocean acidification, resulting in coral bleaching. This study explores the threats faced by coral reefs, focusing on coral bleaching along the Brazilian coast. The work synthesizes studies from the first recorded mass bleaching of brazilian coast to the present, investigating its causes and consequences for marine biodiversity and the human communities that depend on it. The methodology involved a comprehensive literature review using scientific databases such as Web of Science, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Google Scholar, and CAPES Journals, considering publications from 1999 to 2023 that address the impact of coral bleaching and climate change. Georeferenced information and data from platforms like Copernicus and NOAA were used to support the specific objectives. Approximately 96 publications were found, but only 20 were considered as they were more aligned with the topic. The frequency and intensity of coral bleaching have increased, with more frequent and severe events over time. The influence of El Niño events, combined with anthropogenic CO2 emissions, has exacerbated these phenomena. The study also highlights the ongoing threats from human activities and the urgent need for conservation and mitigation actions to protect these vital ecosystems. This work contributes to the understanding of the impacts of climate change on coral reefs and reinforces the importance of effective strategies for preserving marine biodiversity and the communities that depend on it.