‘Mass bleaching event’ threatens Great Barrier Reef’s biodiversity

A ‘mass bleaching event’ is currently taking place on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, endangering diverse marine species. The seventh such event since 1998, climate change is biggest threat to coral reefs. Urgent action is needed to protect ecosystems and dependent plants and animals. Ocean temperatures have reached record levels, risking large-scale coral mortality. The frequency of bleaching events hampers reef recovery.