Scientists say coral reefs around the world are experiencing mass bleaching in warming oceans
Time:2024-04-30 18:43:02 Source:styleViews(143)
Coral reefs around the world are experiencing global bleaching for the fourth time, top reef scientists declared Monday, a result of warming ocean waters amid human-caused climate change.
Coral reef bleaching across at least 53 countries, territories or local economies has been confirmed from February 2023 to now, scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and International Coral Reef Initiative said. It happens when stressed coral expel the algae that are their food source and give them their color. If the bleaching is severe and long-lasting, the coral can die.
Coral reefs are important ecosystems that sustain underwater life, protect biodiversity and slow erosion. They also support local economies through tourism.
Bleaching has been happening in various regions for some time. In the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, bleaching affected 90% of the coral assessed in 2022. The Florida Coral Reef, the third-largest, experienced significant bleaching last year.
Previous:Philips will pay $1.1 billion to resolve US lawsuits over breathing machines that expel debris
Next:English Premier League takes another step toward introducing a spending cap
You may also like
- A retired Roman Catholic bishop who tried to mediate between cartels in Mexico has been kidnapped
- China to hold first space cooperation forum with LatAm, Caribbean countries
- Songs of celebration hail anniversary
- Rubiales denies wrongdoing when questioned in probe into Saudi Arabia deal for Spanish Super Cup
- New Mexico reaches record settlement over natural gas flaring in the Permian Basin
- Report: MLB to modify Nike uniforms after complaints from players, fans
- In Paris, students inspired by pro
- 2 policemen killed, 1 injured in 'terror' attack in SE Iran
- Jennifer Lopez wears Jackie O