Scientists have warned that the destruction of coral reefs worldwide is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, driven by global warming and rising ocean temperatures.
The findings come from a long-term study conducted by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, based on data collected from 120 countries.
Scientists said coral reef degradation, which in previous decades occurred only once every few decades, is now being observed every few years. The increasingly frequent damage is leaving coral reefs with insufficient time to naturally recover.
Coral reefs support approximately one-quarter of all marine life. However, the unprecedented coral reef decline recorded in 2023 has severely affected nearly 77% of the world’s coral reef areas, according to the study.
Scientists warned that the crisis extends beyond marine ecosystems. The widespread loss of coral reefs is also weakening natural coastal defenses, while threatening the livelihoods of fishing communities and the food security of millions of people around the world.
The findings highlight the growing impact of climate change on marine ecosystems and the urgent need to protect and restore coral reefs.
