A literature review led by scholar from the Graduate School, Universitas Padjadjaran, examines the cascading effects of the greenhouse effect on coral reef ecosystems. The study synthesizes a wide range of scientific sources to illustrate how elevated greenhouse gas concentrations—largely from fossil fuel use, deforestation, agriculture, and industrial emissions—are driving up Earth’s surface and sea temperatures. The resulting thermal stress on corals leads to widespread bleaching, as they expel their symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae), compromising their color, nutrient supply, and survivability. Additionally, global sea-level rise—estimated at 25 cm during the 20th century and potentially up to 1 m by century’s end—poses further risks of reef submersion. Altogether, these stressors are profoundly altering coral biodiversity, habitat structure, and ecological functionality.

This research underscores pressing challenges—and actionable pathways—within the framework of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It directly supports SDG 13 (Climate Action) by spotlighting mechanisms through which greenhouse gas mitigation is critical to reef survival. It reinforces SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by drawing attention to the urgency of protecting marine ecosystems that are highly vulnerable to ocean warming and rising seas. It underpins SDG 15 (Life on Land), given coral reefs’ role in coastal protection and their interconnectedness with terrestrial biodiversity and communities. The study serves as a clarion call for integrated climate mitigation, ecosystem resilience strategies, and policy advocacy to sustain coral reef ecosystems and their invaluable services.