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Famous Coral Reefs Damaged Due To Global Warming Will Take A Century To
Recover, Says New Research

As world leaders continue to debate climate change, new research has revealed
reefs damaged as a result of global warming in one of the world's most
exclusive diving areas will take at least a century to recover.


Huge swathes of the coral at Rangiroa in French Polynesia died during three
months of exceptionally warm weather in 1998, when sea temperatures soared to
an average of 32 degrees centigrade for the first time.

Research by Newcastle University's Department of Marine Sciences has shown
damage to the 800-year old coral reefs was catastrophic, and that it would take
more than 100 years to return to its former glory.

Dr Peter Mumby, Royal Society Research Fellow at the University said: "Usually
when sea temperatures rise, the coral usually withers slightly but is able to
recover.

"But in 1998 global warming caused the sea temperatures to soar to incredibly
high levels and in some areas of the ocean there were sustained temperatures of
33-34 degrees centigrade - in previous years temperatures averaged at 28
degrees.

"This caused the corals to die, and damage like this can only be rectified over
the long term - we think about 100 years."

Divers from all over the world enjoy the spectacular natural environment at
Rangiroa. As well as the coral reefs, it has one of the most wide ranging
selection of wildlife in the world - whales, dolphins, turtles and manta rays.
The lagoon is also a pearl farming area and a mecca for hundreds of wealthy
tourists each year.