Coral Reefs in Crisis: Understanding Coral Reef Bleaching, Ocean Warming, and the Future of Reef Restoration
Nature World News | 08.04.2026 12:12Coral reefs burst with iridescent life, nurturing sharks, rays, turtles, and a staggering one-fourth of marine species on just 0.1% of the ocean floor. These structures shield 500 million people across 100 countries from waves and erosion, while powering $36 billion in tourism, fisheries, and coastal economies annually. Coral reef bleaching, supercharged by ocean warming, now imperils this foundation. Events have surged from once per 27 years pre-1980 to every 5.9 years today.
