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51% Coral Reefs Bleached: Warming Threatens Vital Ecosystems

2/12/2026

26 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

More than 51% of coral reefs bleached due to ocean warming, based on data from more than 15,000 reefs between 2014 and 2017.
The study shows that 15% of reefs faced significant mortality.
The period is known as the "Third Global Bleaching Event," overshadowed by the harsher "Fourth Event" that began in early 2023.
Warming will likely cause irreversible damage to coral reefs, vital for biodiversity and coastal protection.

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Story summary

More than 51% of coral reefs bleached due to ocean warming, based on data from more than 15,000 reefs between 2014 and 2017.
The study shows that 15% of reefs faced significant mortality.
The period is known as the "Third Global Bleaching Event," overshadowed by the harsher "Fourth Event" that began in early 2023.
Warming will likely cause irreversible damage to coral reefs, vital for biodiversity and coastal protection.