Coral Bleaching Reaches Unprecedented Levels Worldwide

Recent scientific reports indicate that a staggering 84% of the world's coral reefs are currently experiencing bleaching, marking the highest level ever documented. This alarming trend is attributed to rising ocean temperatures, a direct consequence of climate change driven by human activities such as fossil fuel combustion.

The ongoing bleaching crisis represents the fourth significant global bleaching event since 1998 and surpasses the intensity of the previous event recorded between 2014 and 2017, which adversely affected around two-thirds of the global reef population.

Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel the symbiotic algae living within them due to increased water temperatures. This expulsion leads to the corals becoming more vulnerable to diseases and starvation. The current widespread bleaching, which has persisted since 2023, is notably severe, with many reefs that previously demonstrated resilience now succumbing to damage.

Experts emphasize that addressing the root causes of climate change is essential for the preservation of coral reefs. The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion is critical for the health of marine ecosystems. According to marine scientists, the current level of heat stress impacting coral reefs is unprecedented and concerning.

Recent climate data reveals that the Earth experienced its hottest year on record last year, with average sea surface temperatures reaching 20.87 degrees Celsius (69.57 degrees Fahrenheit), further exacerbating the challenges faced by coral reefs.

Projections indicate that if global temperatures rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, which has already been reached, between 70% and 90% of the world's coral reefs could be lost. If temperatures increase by 2 degrees Celsius, nearly all coral reefs could face extinction, leading to dire consequences for biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions dependent on these ecosystems. Current climate policies suggest a potential rise of 3.1 degrees Celsius by 2100 if no significant changes are made.