Global Coral Bleaching Crisis Intensifies as Temperatures Soar
The world's coral reefs face unprecedented stress from rising sea temperatures, threatening marine ecosystems and human livelihoods.
- The ongoing global coral bleaching event, now confirmed as the fourth and possibly the worst in history, has affected reefs in every major ocean basin.
- Record-breaking sea temperatures, driven by climate change, are the primary cause of the widespread bleaching.
- Coral reefs, vital for biodiversity and human economies, are at a tipping point, with some regions experiencing up to 90% coral loss.
- Scientific efforts to mitigate the damage include coral restoration projects and innovative techniques like assisted evolution and geoengineering.
- Immediate global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to stabilizing sea temperatures and preserving coral ecosystems.