Coral Reef Awareness Week took place across the globe during the week of July 15 as an annual reminder of the importance of these underwater ecosystems. But seeing as how these structures are crucial to both the waters they call home and to the land we live on, I'd say they deserve far more attention than they can get in just seven days — especially amid a warming world.
Beyond even their natural purpose, these habitats also are extremely important for the economy. They are responsible for roughly $9.8 trillion each year globally; in the United States alone, the services provided by coral reefs in the form of fisheries, tourism and coastal protection top $3.4 billion annually.
