World’s coral turns white from deadly ocean heat

The world’s coral reefs are facing a dire threat as rising ocean temperatures lead to coral bleaching. This phenomenon, which causes coral to turn white and eventually die, is a result of the stress caused by the warming water.

Coral bleaching occurs when the symbiotic relationship between coral and the algae that live within its tissues breaks down. The algae provide the coral with much of its food and color, but when the water becomes too warm, the coral expel the algae, leaving behind only the white skeleton.

Scientists have observed widespread coral bleaching in recent years, with some regions experiencing mass die-offs of coral. This not only threatens the biodiversity of the reefs but also has far-reaching consequences for the marine ecosystems that depend on them.

Efforts are being made to mitigate the effects of coral bleaching, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and establishing marine protected areas. However, the future of the world’s coral reefs remains uncertain as the planet continues to warm.