United States - September 17, 2025 Western Atlantic – A new study warns that most coral reefs in the western Atlantic could soon stop growing and may begin eroding if global warming reaches 2°C. Researchers assessed over 400 reef sites across Florida, Mexico, and Bonaire, revealing a dramatic decline in reef growth. The study projects that more than 70% of reefs will cease vertical growth by 2040, and over 99% could do so by 2100 under a 2°C warming scenario. Climate change, combined with coral disease and declining water quality, reduces reef growth by killing corals and impacting colony development. Researchers analyzed fossil reefs to understand how coral types influence growth and combined this with modern data to calculate current growth rates and future projections. “Our research shows that under current CO2 emission scenarios most Atlantic coral reefs will not only stop growing but many will actually be eroding by mid-century,” said Professor Chris Perry of the University of Exeter. The study warns that as reefs lag behind rising sea levels, water depths above reefs could increase by around 0.7 meters by 2100, or up to 1.2 meters under higher warming, raising flooding risks and altering nearshore ecosystems. Dr Lorenzo Alvarez-Filip added: “We are witnessing an alarming decline in both the abundance and diversity of corals across Atlantic coral reefs. Climate change is accelerating this decline and worsening ecological and socio-economic consequences.” Experts highlight coral restoration, effective land and water management, and rapid climate mitigation as critical to slowing reef losses and limiting rising water levels.