The science is clear — and the alarm bells are deafening:

Coral reefs have officially passed a climate tipping point.

This is the first major environmental system on Earth to cross a line where collapse becomes self-sustaining, according to the latest Global Tipping Points report released by climate scientists.

More than 70–90% of the world’s coral reefs are now expected to die off if global temperatures rise above 1.5°C. We’re already at 1.4°C — and time is running out.

Coral reefs are not just beautiful — they are essential. They:

Provide habitat for one-quarter of all marine species
Support over one billion people through food, fishing, and tourism
Protect coastlines from storms and erosion
Generate billions in economic activity annually
 

Without immediate action, this entire ecosystem — and the human lives connected to it — is at risk.

We, the undersigned, call on the United States Congress, NOAA, and the White House to take urgent action:

• Pass emergency funding for coral reef recovery, monitoring, and restoration
• Expand NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program to accelerate science, policy, and local action
• Invest in reef-safe jobs and coastal resilience efforts in U.S. territories and island nations
• Recommit to bold emissions reductions in line with the Paris Agreement, including transitioning off fossil fuels
• Champion reef protection at COP30 and in all international climate agreements
   

The U.S. has the resources and responsibility to lead. As one of the largest global emitters and a major coastal nation, we must act to protect reefs in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and beyond — while also supporting vulnerable communities around the world.

This is not just about coral. It’s about climate, oceans, economies, food, and justice.