Coral Reefs

We assess flood risk, the role of reefs in reducing risk, and solutions to jointly meet reef conservation, hazard mitigation and adaptation goals.

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What value do reefs provide in coastal protection?

Scroll to learn more about how healthy coral reefs can help prevent coastal flooding.

Coral reefs reduce wave energy and height.

Coral Reef Infographic

Healthy Reef

A healthy reef absorbs 97% of wave power.

Reefs can become degraded by natural and anthropogenic stressors.

Degraded Reef

Healthy Reefs v. Degraded Reefs

A healthy reef is better at protecting the shoreline from waves.

A 1m decrease in reef height causes a four-fold increase in wave power affecting the shoreline.

1m to 4x

Wave Height v. Wave Power

Wave power increases exponentially with increasing wave height.

Increased wave power doubles flooding risk.

Increased flooding

Expected Economic Benefits of Coral Reefs

Reefs can protect capital and save billions of dollars.

Globally, 1m loss of reef height doubles the cost of flooding.

Economic Cost of Reef Degradation

Flood Protection Value of Global Coral Reefs

Reefs around the world are critical to coastal protection.

These critical ecosystems are under threat from climate change.

Coral Reefs

Global Wave Power from 1985-2008

In addition, global wave power is increasing over time.

We can restore these natural protections to save property and lives.