"The decline of coral reefs is concerning, as it threatens not only biodiversity but also the safety of island communities, such as those in the Caribbean Netherlands," stated the IUCN. Coral reefs act as natural breakwaters, absorbing wave energy and offering protection against extreme weather events.

In 2008, the IUCN assessed 892 warm-water coral species and determined approximately one-third were at risk of extinction. That number is rising.

Almost half of all warm-water species of coral are threatened with extinction -- and climate change is the chief culprit, a new report said on Wednesday.

Conservation status for warm-water reef-building corals was analysed for the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List.