Coral bleaching crisis unfolds as oceans reach record heat levels

Recent ocean heatwaves have triggered the fourth global mass coral bleaching event, devastating coral reefs worldwide.

In short:

Coral reefs globally are turning white and dying due to record ocean heat, marking the fourth mass bleaching event, according to NOAA.
The bleaching, caused by stress from hot water, threatens marine life, fishing industries, and economies reliant on coral reefs.
Rising ocean temperatures, exacerbated by climate change and El Niño, pose an existential threat to coral ecosystems.

Key quote:

"It's like going from corals providing houses and buildings for marine life to just being scaffolding. What really wants to live in scaffolding?"

— Jennifer McWhorter, NOAA

Why this matters:

Coral reefs, vital to marine ecosystems, are under severe threat from climate change-induced bleaching. The loss of coral not only impacts biodiversity but also jeopardizes industries reliant on healthy oceans. Read more: Unexpected ocean heat waves are becoming the norm.

www.bbc.com

Coral bleaching crisis unfolds as oceans reach record heat levels

Documenting a ‘drastically changing’ scientific landscape

Trump administration keeping power plants open in effort to befriend coal industry

Iceland saw record temperatures last year. So why are scientists predicting a ‘deep freeze’?

Coral bleaching: How warming seas are transforming the world’s reefs

More lost 'horizons': How New Mexico's climate plan flamed out again

Climate change threatens coffee-growing regions

Team USA skiers and others raise alarm over accelerating melt of world’s glaciers

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.