Overview

• Marine heatwaves have caused unprecedented levels of coral bleaching, with 72% of reefs affected since January 2023.
• By 2080, coral bleaching is expected to start in spring and last into autumn, doubling heat stress on reefs by 2050.
• Equatorial regions, home to the most biodiverse reefs, face the highest risk of near-constant bleaching conditions.
• Bleaching disrupts coral spawning, potentially leading to large-scale coral loss and impacting food security for millions.
• Conservation strategies and emission cuts are crucial to mitigate future bleaching and protect remaining coral habitats.