A study published in Science Advances finds that restoring ecosystems on tropical atolls — including reintroducing seabirds, replanting native vegetation, and eradicating invasive rats — can help islands keep pace with rising sea levels. The research across 28 Pacific and Indian Ocean atolls shows that seabird guano, native root systems, and reef-building sand production work together to naturally sustain land elevation.
Background
Tropical atolls are among the most vulnerable landforms to global warming and sea-level rise, with many facing existential threats by the end of the century. Nature-based solutions are increasingly recognized as complementary strategies to hard infrastructure for coastal resilience.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Oct 15, 2026 at 11:05 PM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10