Coral Bleaching Crisis Intensifies, Threatens Global Reef Survival
New research predicts earlier, prolonged bleaching events, jeopardizing coral reproduction and marine biodiversity.
- 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.
CNN 
The Conversation 