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Heat risks bleaching 73% of all coral reefs

The Guardian reports that after months of record-breaking ocean temperatures, the planet’s reefs are in the middle of the most widespread heat-stress event on record. Across the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans, latest figures from the US government’s Coral Reef Watch, shared with the Guardian, show 73% of the world’s corals have been hit with enough heat for them to begin bleaching. Scientists are asking “what do we do now?’
A vast array of solutions are being worked on but experts urge a “fundamental rethink” as temperatures are forecast to climb even higher in coming decades. Beginning in February 2023, this is the fourth global mass bleaching event – the second in 10 years, and the most widespread on record.

The Guardian, 30 July 2024: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/30/as-record-he...

 

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