Coral reefs reduce a wave's energy by up to 97 percent, the study shows. The reef crest alone — the shallowest area where waves break first — dissipates most of the energy, absorbing about 86 percent of a wave's power before it reaches the reef flat or lagoon. Without such a buffer, coastal residents must face the full brunt of rising seas and stronger storm surges driven by climate change.
"Coral reefs serve as an effective first line of defense to incoming waves, storms and rising seas," said Michael Beck, lead marine scientist for the Nature Conservancy and a co-author of the study. "200 million people across more than 80 nations are at risk if coral reefs are not protected and restored."
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