An ashen pallor and an eerie stillness all that remains where there should fluttering fish and vibrant colours in the reefscape, one conservationist says
The world’s coral reefs have been pushed into “uncharted territory” by the worst global bleaching event on record that has now hit more than 80% of the planet’s reefs, scientists have warned.
Reefs in at least 82 countries and territories have been exposed to enough heat to turn corals white since the global event started in January 2023, the latest data from the US government’s Coral Reef Watch shows.
Coral reefs are known as the rainforests of the sea because of their high concentration of biodiversity that supports about a third of all marine species and a billion people.
But record high ocean temperatures have spread like an underwater wildfire over corals across the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans, damaging and killing countless corals.
I’m focused on the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions (when you account for overseas manufacturing), who left the Paris Climate Agreement, cancelled renewable energy subsidies, and is actively repealing EPA regulations to drive profits in the private sector.
But yes, other corporations are contributing as well. They just pale in comparison.
Got it and fair enough (or not). I’m not well educated about it all. Just thinking about north stream pipeline blow up, as well as shady oil companies, etc.
Oh for sure. We even contribute on a smaller scale by using sunscreen containing oxybenzone or octinoxate when swimming near reefs. The latter also breaks down into a carcinogen and hormone disrupter.
I’ve been going for “reef friendly” sunscreen for beach days. Are these safe?
Typically, yes. It’s best to just double-check the ingredients list for those two chemicals. I don’t trust advertising.