Global coral reefs are facing the largest bleaching crisis ever recorded. According to the latest report, approximately 84% of coral reef areas are experiencing bleaching, spanning across the Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Pacific Ocean.
Experts believe that this phenomenon is related to the rising sea temperatures, causing a large number of corals to lose their color and even die. When sea temperatures abnormally rise, corals expel symbiotic algae from their bodies, leading to a loss of nutrition and color.
According to the International Coral Reef Initiative and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States, the global coral bleaching crisis began in 2024 and the overall trend has not shown signs of easing, spreading even to regions that were less affected in the past.
Year 2024 was the hottest on record, with the global average temperature exceeding pre-industrial levels by 1.5°C for the first time. Coupled with the El Niño phenomenon, ocean heatwaves reached unprecedented frequencies, putting immense pressure on the corals.
“The intensity and extent of this high-temperature stress are shocking,” said ocean scientist Melanie McField in the Caribbean, “Corals that we thought were resilient also experienced local die-offs in 2024.”
She described coral bleaching as “a silent snowfall on the reefs,” a sight that is both beautiful and heart-wrenching.
The previous three global bleaching events occurred in 1998, 2010, and from 2014 to 2017, with affected percentages of 21%, 37%, and 68% respectively. This time, it has reached a staggering 84%. Currently, 82 countries and regions worldwide have reported coral bleaching situations, including the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
Although there was a brief La Niña event in December 2024, which led to a slight decrease in sea temperatures and momentarily raised hopes for coral recovery, this cooling trend lasted only three months and could not halt the spread of bleaching.
The actual situation of global coral reefs is still unclear, and scientists estimate that it will take several years to make a comprehensive assessment. However, significant coral deaths have been observed in regions such as the Caribbean, Red Sea, and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
(Reference: Reuters)