Global Coral Bleaching Event Affects 84% of Reefs

A recent study reveals that 84% of the world's coral reefs have been impacted by a mass bleaching event that began in 2023, marking the most extensive occurrence on record. The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) announced that this ongoing event has surpassed previous incidents, including the 2014–2017 bleaching, which affected approximately 67% of reefs.

Coral bleaching occurs when elevated ocean temperatures cause corals to expel the symbiotic algae that provide them with color and nutrients, leaving the corals white and vulnerable to mortality. The current bleaching event has been attributed to rising sea temperatures linked to climate change. In 2024, the average sea surface temperature reached 20.87°C (69.57°F), the highest on record.

The Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system, has experienced significant losses. In 2024, it recorded its largest annual loss of live coral in 39 years, with substantial declines across its southern, northern, and central regions.

Scientists emphasize the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate further damage to coral ecosystems. While restoration projects are underway, they are considered temporary measures. Environmental leaders warn that continued inaction, particularly amid policy decisions favoring fossil fuel expansion, threatens the survival of global reef ecosystems.