Global Coral Bleaching Reaches 84% of Ocean Reefs: Urgent Action Required
A record 84% of ocean reefs are affected by coral bleaching due to rising ocean temperatures, prompting urgent calls for action to combat climate change.
Harmful bleaching of the world’s coral has grown to include 84% of the ocean’s reefs in the most intense event of its kind in recorded history.
The state of the world’s coral reefs has tumbled to an alarming new low
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The bleaching event has been so severe that NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch program has had to add levels to its bleaching alert scale to account for the growing risk of coral death.
84% of the world’s coral reefs hit by worst bleaching event on record
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The bleaching event has been so severe that NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch program has had to add levels to its bleaching alert scale to account for the growing risk of coral death.
84% of the world's coral reefs hit by worst bleaching event on record
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Efforts are underway to conserve and restore coral.
84% of the world’s coral reefs hit by worst bleaching event on record
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The bleaching event has been so severe that NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch program has had to add levels to its bleaching alert scale to account for the growing risk of coral death.
Global coral bleaching has now hit 84% of ocean's reefs in biggest-ever event
ABC News·9d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The bleaching event has been so severe that NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch program has had to add levels to its bleaching alert scale to account for the growing risk of coral death.
84% of the world's coral reefs hit by worst bleaching event on record
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Australia’s other World Heritage-listed reef along the Ningaloo coast in Western Australia has seen its highest levels of heat stress on record in recent months.
More than 80% of the world’s reefs hit by bleaching after worst global event on record
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Summary
The International Coral Reef Initiative reports that 84% of global coral reefs are now affected by bleaching, marking the most severe event in recorded history. Initiated in 2023, this crisis exceeds the previous 2014-2017 bleaching event that affected two-thirds of reefs. Last year was the hottest on record, raising ocean temperatures and endangering marine biodiversity, vital for seafood, tourism, and coastal protection. Experts stress the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate further damage, as current restoration efforts may only serve as temporary solutions amid worsening conditions.
Perspectives
Global coral bleaching has affected 84% of ocean reefs in the largest recorded event, continuing a troubling trend of increases since the first event in 1998.
Rising sea temperatures, exacerbated by climate change, lead to severe coral bleaching, which endangers marine biodiversity and coastal protection.
Efforts to restore and protect coral reefs are insufficient without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing a need for action against climate change.
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