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Soaring ocean temperatures have triggered the second global coral bleaching in the last 10 years, threatening essential marine ecosystems.
This global coral bleaching is only the fourth occurrence on record. It began in February 2023 and affected coral reefs in every major ocean basin across 54 nations and territories, said the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Home to about a quarter of all marine life, the reefs rely on algae for food and colour. But when water temperatures exceed what the corals can tolerate, the algae become toxic, and the corals expel them. If the bleaching is severe and long-lasting, the coral can die.
This also harms humans since corals provide food, jobs and coastal protection for about one billion people.
This year’s bleaching follows the declaration that 2023 was the hottest year on record.
