This year, scientists found that 77% of the world's coral reefs are in trouble due to bleaching, a result of warming ocean waters caused by climate change. This is the fourth and largest global bleaching event on record, affecting both hemispheres. Coral reefs are crucial because they support over 25% of marine life and nearly a billion people who depend on them for food, coastal protection, and jobs.

The United Nations held a special emergency session about this issue during the U. N. biodiversity summit in Cali, Colombia. This session is usually reserved for conflicts or natural disasters, showing how serious the situation is. After the meeting, several countries including New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France pledged around $30 million to help protect coral reefs.

Coral bleaching happens when water temperatures change, causing coral to lose its color and become stressed. This can also happen due to low tides, pollution, or too much sunlight. In 2022, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia saw 90% of its coral bleach. The Florida Coral Reef also experienced significant bleaching last year.

The first global bleaching event was in 1998, the second between 2011-2013, and the third in 2016. These events are lasting longer than before, which is a big concern. The U. N. wants to raise $150 million more by next year's ocean conference in Nice, France, to protect coral reefs.

“Protecting our ocean and its precious habitats is vital for life on earth, ” said U. K. Minister for Nature Mary Creagh. “But without urgent action, the world’s coral reefs might disappear from global heating, acidification, disease, and pollution. ”

“We must act now before it’s too late, ” added Peter Thomson, the U. N. Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean.

Save Our Reefs: Coral Bleaching Sparks Global Alarm

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