Coral Reef Bleaching: A Climate Crisis

Coral reefs are dying at an alarming rate. Understanding coral bleaching is essential to saving these vital ecosystems.

What Is Coral Bleaching?

When stressed, corals expel their symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae):

1. Healthy coral: Algae live inside coral tissue
2. Stress occurs: Heat, pollution, or other factors
3. Algae expelled: Coral loses color and food source
4. If stress continues: Coral dies

Primary Cause: Rising Ocean Temperatures

• Just 1-2°C increase triggers bleaching
• 2016-2017: Worst bleaching event ever recorded
• Great Barrier Reef lost 50% of corals in 2 years

Why Coral Reefs Matter

Biodiversity

• 25% of all marine species depend on reefs
• Critical spawning grounds

Economic Value

• $375 billion annually
• Support 500 million people directly

What You Can Do

1. Reduce carbon footprint
2. Use reef-safe sunscreen
3. Support marine conservation
4. Vote for climate-conscious leaders