Coral reefs around the globe are facing their fourth major bleaching event, scientists have reported. This alarming phenomenon affects 53 countries, territories, and local economies since February 2023, driven by the relentless warming of ocean waters.
Experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the International Coral Reef Initiative explain that coral bleaching occurs when stressed corals expel the algae that provide them with color and essential nutrients. Prolonged and severe bleaching can lead to coral death, jeopardizing these vital ecosystems.
Coral reefs are crucial for sustaining underwater life, protecting biodiversity, and preventing coastal erosion. Additionally, they play a significant role in supporting local economies through tourism, offering livelihoods to countless communities worldwide.
The widespread bleaching of coral reefs underscores the urgent need to address human-caused climate change and implement strategies to protect these invaluable marine environments.
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Coral reefs are experiencing mass bleaching in warming oceans globally
cgtn.com
