Global bleaching crisis: 84% of coral reefs hit by extreme heat stress
Corals provide the algae's shelter. In turn, the algae provide it with food and colour. A temperature rise will lead to the death of algae, eventually causing corals to die.
Parts of the Caribbean, the Red Sea, and Australia's Great Barrier Reef have witnessed widespread mortality of corals. (Photo: Reuters)
In 2024, scientists at the International Coral Reef Initiative and data from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared that the world's fourth mass bleaching event is slowing down.advertisementBut the rising temperatures have proved it false, with 84% of reef areas - from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic to the Pacific - subjected to intense heat stress for a duration expected to cause bleaching as of March 2025."The magnitude and extent of the heat stress is shocking," Melanie McField, a marine scientist working in the Caribbean told Reuters. "Some reefs that had thus far escaped major heat stress, and we thought to be somewhat resilient, succumbed to partial mortalities in 2024.""Bleaching is always eerie - as if a silent snowfall has descended on the reef," she added.Previous events in 1998, 2010, and 2014-17 saw 21%, 37%, and 68% of reefs subjected to bleaching-level heat stress, respectively.Even after warning of the danger the coral reefs could face due to climate change and El Nio, scientists were hoping for positive news due to the arrival of La Nina. As La Nina lasted only for three months, the bleaching continued to spread. The list of coral victimised due to the effects of climate change is increasing every day, with the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea being added to the list of 82 affected countries and territories.advertisementParts of the Caribbean, the Red Sea, and Australia's Great Barrier Reef have witnessed widespread mortality of corals.Understanding the global extent of coral reef death will take years for scientists to analyse. However, it is a collective responsibility of global leaders and citizens to act against climate change.
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