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Coral Crisis: 80% Bleaching Amid Rising Sea Temperatures

11/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Rising sea temperatures and marine heatwaves are driving a crisis for coral reefs, causing widespread bleaching and mortality, with over 80% of reefs bleached.
Global coral cover has fallen nearly 50% since 1998.
In India's Lakshadweep, coral cover fell from 37% to 19%.
Experts warn that without immediate emissions cuts, many coral regions could reach a tipping point within 20 years, jeopardizing marine ecosystems and their services.

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Story summary

Rising sea temperatures and marine heatwaves are driving a crisis for coral reefs, causing widespread bleaching and mortality, with over 80% of reefs bleached.
Global coral cover has fallen nearly 50% since 1998.
In India's Lakshadweep, coral cover fell from 37% to 19%.
Experts warn that without immediate emissions cuts, many coral regions could reach a tipping point within 20 years, jeopardizing marine ecosystems and their services.