I. CAUSES FOR CONCERN ABOUT THE HEALTH OF CORAL REEFSCoral reefs and the species that inhabit them offer a wide variety of economic and environmental benefits. In 2003, researchers estimated that the global economic value of coral reefs was $29.8 billion. This value comes from the richness of ecosystem services provided by coral reefs. Whether through tourism or fishing, around 30 million people worldwide are "largely dependent on coral reefs for their livelihoods." Coral reef tourism benefits at least 94 countries, 23 of which derive more than 15% of their gross domestic product from it. And a “healthy, well-managed coral reef in the Indian Ocean or Pacific can produce between five and fifteen tons of seafood per square kilometer per year in perpetuity.” Coral reefs also offer health and safety benefits. They protect more than 93,000 miles of coastline in 100 countries and territories from storms and erosion by absorbing wave energy. Additionally, many reef-dwelling species have enormous potential for use in pharmaceuticals and other medicines. Overall, about 850 million people live within 60 miles of coral reefs. According to the World Resources Institute, many of them are likely to benefit from the ecosystem services provided by coral reefs. Furthermore, coral reefs are a key environmental resource. Often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea,” coral reefs are some of the most diverse and productive ecosystems on earth. Coral reefs are home to a variety of plant life, providing a wealth of food for fish. As with the coast, coral reefs protect marine life from waves and storms. Due to their unique ecological properties, coral reefs “support more species per unit area than any other marine environment.” But these ecological… middle of the paper… levels of HG produce two effects that negatively affect coral reefs. First, rising temperatures also increase sea surface temperatures. High sea surface temperatures cause coral bleaching and can encourage the spread of diseases. And the ocean absorbs much of the carbon emitted into the atmosphere. This acidifies the ocean water and the lower pH is harmful to corals. Both phenomena must be controlled if coral reefs are to be preserved.III. EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CURRENT INTERNATIONAL REGIME There is no doubt that the current international regime is not effectively protecting corals. The statistics speak for themselves. 19% of the earth's coral reefs have already been "severely degraded or lost." Over 60% are under “immediate and direct threat”. It is predicted that 90% will be at risk by 2030. And by 2050, almost all coral reefs will be in danger.