Extent of the Bleaching
The reports that 84% of the world's coral reefs are affected by bleaching, marking the most severe global event in recorded history, surpassing previous incidents from 2014-17.
This crisis, attributed to rising ocean temperatures, began in 2023 and has impacted reefs in at least 82 countries, including significant damage to the Great Barrier Reef and reefs off and the east African coast.
Responses and Future Outlook
Efforts to conserve and restore coral include propagating coral fragments in labs for future repopulation and nursing endangered corals back to health. However, scientists stress the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to address the root cause of climate change.
Despite these efforts, the ongoing crisis and the unprecedented scale of bleaching challenge the capacity for monitoring and recovery, with ecological grief reported among those who rely on and study the reefs. A comprehensive status report is expected next year.