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wattI’m from Hawaii and coral reefs are not just something you see. It’s part of us. It feeds our families, protects our coasts, and lives at the heart of our culture. In our story, coral is one of our oldest ancestors. It reminds us that everything in the ocean and all of us are connected.
Currently, this overall connection is under threat.
Our coral reefs are severe stress. The planet just went through The most widespread coral bleaching event on recordlasting 33 months until 2025. the scientist warn If global warming reaches 1.5 degrees Celsius, up to 90% of coral reefs could disappear. Ninety percent. 1.5C is not out of reach – it’s very close.
Even if the world somehow achieves its climate goals, coral reefs will still be hammered by: plastic pollution, Coastal development, agricultural runoff and overfishing. They are so fragile. When coral reefs weaken, coastlines become Harder hit by storms and rising sea levels. Homes and workplaces are exposed. Culture and sacred sites are at risk. A huge variety of underwater life exists only in coral reefs—and once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.
But I refuse to let coral reefs become a lost cause.
In Hawaii we talk about responsible – Responsibility passed down from generation to generation. Different languages have different terms, but this sense of responsibility and caring is not a new concept. It has been central for centuries, especially for island nations and coastal societies.
Now, with regard to our environment, especially our coral reefs, this responsibility extends to everyone on the planet. We all need to remember that we are part of nature and taking care of nature means taking care of ourselves.
What does this mean in practice? I’ve seen some examples that stood out to me. In French Polynesia, I worked with communities who have a strong connection to coral reefs and saw firsthand how willing they are to step up and help restore coral reefs once they are given the tools and support.
Through my partnership with the United Nations Environment Program and Global Coral Reef FundI also saw how smart investments can make a big difference. Even a little money can go a long way, helping people find new ways to make a living without destroying nature, promoting the protection of marine ecosystems, and supporting communities to rebuild sustainably after being hit by extreme weather.
These give me hope. But the harsh truth is that we still haven’t had enough time to sit back and rely on what has happened. Climate change and unsustainable development are developing rapidly, which means we need to act faster.
That’s why next year is important.
The coming months could be a defining moment for coral reefs. new science and a series of important global gatherings—from Kenya and New Zealand arrive Global Coral Reef Summit – will help coral reefs get the attention they deserve.
Then it’s up to all of us to decide Do There’s that attention thing. There is no time for pointing fingers or pointing fingers. From countries to communities, from businesses to individuals, we all have a responsibility to support the survival of these ecosystems.
Overall, we know what works. Reduce our climate footprint. Reduce our plastic pollution. Protect species vital to coral reefs. Be careful when underwater. Buy from a reef positive business. Support coastal communities. invest. legislation. say. Behavior.
Moments like this year can be turning points, not because of what is said, promised, or promised, but because of how we change. coral We don’t have time to come up with a perfect rescue plan for our coral reefs. They need us to show up now──to live the spirit responsibility, Take responsibility and treat your children the same way you would treat yourself. Because they are a part of us and hopefully always will be.
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Jason Momoa is an actor, filmmaker and UNEP Life Under Water Advocate working to protect our oceans and raise global awareness of coral reef conservation
