Corals in decline globally, nearly half a century of data shows

The study reveals that living corals on reefs worldwide are in sharp decline, driven by climate change and an anticipated record El Niño event. This data spans nearly half a century and underscores the severe impact of rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification on these vital ecosystems. The findings highlight how crucial coral reefs are not just for marine biodiversity but also for human livelihoods dependent on healthy coastal ecosystems. The implications are dire, pointing to potential losses in biodiversity and the services that coral reefs provide, like coastal protection and tourism.