At low tide, a fisherman secures his boat in Surigao del Norte, Philippines. The Philippines is the beating heart of the Coral Triangle, with more species of marine life than anywhere else on Earth, including the most species of coral. While coral reefs do not store carbon as is commonly misbelieved (they actually release carbon), they help protect coastal communities from climate-related disasters such as tsunamis and typhoons. They are the vital foundation of coastal communities and marine ecosystems, both: coral reefs don't just sustain coastal fisherfolk communities, they are also crucial spawning grounds for the world's fish populations. With the Philippines the third most vulnerable country to climate change, fisherfolk, who are the least responsible for causing the worsening climate crisis, are also the population most vulnerable to its disastrous consequences such as rising sea levels, storm surges, and coastline erosion.