The mass bleaching of coral reefs worldwide has reached unprecedented levels, with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reporting that a staggering 77% of global reefs have experienced bleaching-level heat stress since early 2023. This alarming statistic surpasses the previous record by 11.3%, achieved in a significantly shorter time frame.
As climate change drives ocean temperatures to record highs, scientists are calling for urgent action. Dr. Derek Manzello, coordinator of NOAA's Coral Reef Watch, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, 'We've eclipsed the previous record by 11.3% and...in half the amount of time.' In response to this crisis, an emergency session on coral reefs has been proposed at the ongoing COP16 biodiversity summit in Cali, Colombia.
This mass bleaching event poses catastrophic risks to marine ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and the livelihoods of communities that rely on healthy coral reefs. The findings underscore the pressing need for global cooperation and innovative strategies to mitigate climate change and protect our oceans.