I used to think coral reefs were just pretty underwater rocks. Turns out, they’re alive, sensitive, and right now they’re being ghosted by climate change.

We’re in the middle of the largest global coral bleaching event in recorded history — 84% of reefs worldwide are under heat stress. When reefs lose their color, they lose their superpowers: food, storm protection, and homes for a quarter of all marine life. That means fewer fish on our plates, fragile coastlines, and entire communities facing crisis.

Works Cited:

All About the Ocean.” National Geographic Education, 2024.

“Basic Information About Coral Reefs.” United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2024.

“Coral Reefs Are Critical for Risk Reduction and Adaptation.” United States Geological Survey (USGS), 2024.

“Coral Reefs: Ecosystems of the Ocean.” NOAA Education Resource Collections, 2024.

Coral Restoration Foundation. “Mission and Vision.” Coral Restoration Foundation, 2024.

“Degradation Report: Coral Reef Crisis.” World Wildlife Fund Japan (WWF Japan), 2010.

“NOAA Confirms 4th Global Coral Bleaching Event.” United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2024.

“Small Island Developing States (SIDS).” United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), 2024.

“The Sea People: Threats to Coral Reefs.” The Sea People Organization, 2024.

YouTube. “Coral Reefs: Vital and Vulnerable.” Uploaded by National Geographic, 2023.

YouTube. “How Coral Bleaching Happens.” Uploaded by NOAA Ocean Today, 2023.