Global coral reef coverage risks irreversible decline, new report warns
Summary
A new report says coral reefs are bleaching more often and cannot recover before the next event. Coral cover worldwide has dropped sharply and could suffer permanent damage if current trends continue.Key Facts
- Coral bleaching happens when corals lose algae that give them color and food.
- Bleached corals are not dead but need cooler water and time to recover.
- The frequency of coral bleaching events has roughly doubled recently.
- Coral reefs stayed mostly stable for 40 years until about 2010, then declined steeply.
- In 2023, coral bleaching affected 77% of coral reef areas globally, the worst on record.
- Scientists warn that another major bleaching event is very likely this year due to warm ocean temperatures.
- Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but support over 25% of marine life.
- The Pacific Islands Forum, which discusses climate and ocean issues, is seeing reduced attendance by some member leaders.
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