Hey, ocean lovers! 🌎 Big news from our blue planet: scientists just sounded the alarm on a massive coral bleaching event that's spreading across the globe. It's like Mother Nature is sending us an SOS! 🚨
Since February 2023, coral bleaching has been reported in 62 countries and territories—a jump of nine places since April. That's a lot of stressed-out corals! 😱 According to NOAA's Coral Reef Watch program coordinator, Derek Manzello, \"This event is still growing in size and impacts. This is not something that would be happening without climate change.\"
New reports of coral damage are coming in from India, Sri Lanka, and the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean. The heat is on, and our corals are feeling it! 🌡️
So, what's the deal with coral bleaching? 🤔 Basically, when ocean temperatures rise, corals get stressed and expel the tiny algae that give them color and life. It's like losing your BFF! Without these algae, corals turn white (bleach) and struggle to survive. But if temperatures cool down and we reduce other stressors like overfishing and pollution, they might bounce back. Fingers crossed! 🤞
Why should we care? Corals aren't just pretty to look at; they're vital to ocean health and support the livelihoods of millions of people. They protect coastlines, provide food, and are a source of income through tourism. Losing them would be a major bummer for both people and the planet. 🌍💔
This is the fourth mass coral bleaching event on record, and it's shaping up to be a big one. Over 60% of the world's reefs have experienced bleach-level heat in the last year—a new record. With ocean temperatures continuing to rise, scientists warn that reefs across Asia, Mexico, Belize, the Caribbean, and Florida could be next. 😬
Places like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and coral sites in Thailand are already feeling the heat. It's time to take action and cool things down! ❄️
So, what can we do? Spread the word! Share this news, reduce your carbon footprint, and support initiatives that protect our oceans. Let's show some love to our underwater friends! 💙🐠
Reference(s):
Global coral bleaching event expanding to new countries: scientists
cgtn.com
