Conference by Terry Hughes on the impact of global warming in coral reefs

The Australian Great Barrier Reef is in danger because of the effects of global warming. Moreover, there are less and less opportunities to recover the rich biodiversity in this great biological structure. This is the main message of the scientific studies by Professor Terry Hughes (James Cook University, Australia),  expert in the field of the ecology of tropical reefs, climate change and management of marine ecosystems. Hughes, who was honoured by Nature as one of the top 10 scientists in 2016 for his task as “Reef Sentinel”, gave the conference “Global warming and coral reefs”, on Friday, November 30, at 10 a.m., in the Aula Magna of the Faculty of Biology. The conference was open to all audiences and promoted by the Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio) of the University of Barcelona.

 

With more than 2,300 kilometers, the Australian Great Barrier Reef covers the north-western Australian coast. Considered UNESCO World Heritage Centre, this great biological structure –the biggest marine reef in the planet- is endangered now due the bleaching caused by the rise of temperatures. Hughes’ studies have raised awareness worldwide regarding the impacts of global change on marine ecosystems.

 

His study on the effects of climate change on coral reefs were distinguished in 2018 with the Climate Change Award by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the John Maddox Prize, which distinguishes his courage in the promotion of science in topics of public interest despite the reaction of several society pressure groups.

Watch the conference https://www.ub.edu/web/ub/en/menu_eines/noticies/2018/11/053.html?