Impacts of climate change and heat stress on coral reefs

Abstract

Coral reefs are among the most sensitive marine ecosystems to climate change, particularly to rising sea surface temperatures. This literature review, based on studies published between 2000 and 2024, examines thermal impacts on coral physiology, ecology, and population structure. Findings reveal community reorganizations, such as the replacement of Acropora by Porites, changes in calcification rates, and the mitigating effects of water turbidity on bleaching. Bioenergetic models show that elevated temperatures accelerate coral metabolism and disrupt symbiosis with zooxanthellae. It is concluded that thermal stress, combined with solar radiation and turbidity, affects reefs in a multifactorial manner, demanding integrated conservation strategies.