Scientists say coral reefs around the world are experiencing mass bleaching in warming oceans
Time:2024-05-21 17:29:03 Source:sportViews(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:Who is Jacob Zuma, the former South African president disqualified from next week's election?
Next:With Djokovic awaiting the winner, Murray trails Hanfmann at rain
You may also like
- Sweden beats France, Britain relegated after losing to Norway at hockey worlds
- Campaign to build new California city submits signatures to get on November ballot
- Abuse allegations against former Olympic rower, coach found to be credible, US Rowing probe says
- 2 die when small plane crashes in wooded area of northern Indiana
- Tom Brady and Jay
- Trump says states should decide on prosecuting women for abortions, has no comment on abortion pill
- US judges reject new Louisiana congressional map
- Eli Lilly, 3M rise; MicroStrategy, Chegg fall, Tuesday, 4/30/2024
- Six killed in a 'foiled coup' in Congo, the army says