What primarily threatens the biodiversity of coral reefs and coastal ecosystems?

Human activities are the primary threat to the biodiversity of coral reefs and coastal ecosystems. These activities include pollution, overfishing, coastal development, and the introduction of invasive species.

Pollution, such as agricultural runoff and plastic waste, can lead to nutrient overloads and toxic conditions that harm marine life. Overfishing disrupts the balance of marine ecosystems by removing key species, which can result in declines of fish populations and alter the food web. Coastal development often leads to habitat destruction, severely impacting the delicate structures of coral reefs and their surrounding environments.

Unlike natural climate events, which can affect ecosystems but are often part of natural cycles, human activities consistently introduce stressors that the ecosystems may not be able to recover from. Thus, the impact of human actions is critical in understanding the ongoing threats to these vital ecosystems, making it a significant topic in environmental science.