"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."
Alexa St. John reports for the Associated Press April 15, 2024.
SEE ALSO:
"NOAA Declares a Global Coral Bleaching Event in 2023" (Inside Climate News)
"Global Heating Pushes Coral Reefs Towards Worst Planet-Wide Mass Bleaching On Record" (Guardian)
"Many Coral Reefs Are Dying. This One Is Exploding With Life." (Vox)
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