The fourth bleaching crisis of global coral reefs: a critical challenge for marine ecosystems

Global coral reefs are undergoing a fourth bleaching: the world is experiencing the fourth global coral reef bleaching event on record, and the second in a decade, due to the impacts of climate change. Since the beginning of 2023, coral reef bleaching has been documented in more than 53 countries and territories, including Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.2024 In April 2024, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority released a report stating that the Great Barrier Reef is experiencing its worst mass bleaching event on record, with three-quarters of the overall coral reef community showing signs of bleaching and nearly 40 percent of the reef experiencing high or extreme levels of bleaching. The Great Barrier Reef is experiencing the most severe mass bleaching event on record. Bleaching of coral reefs threatens the people who depend on marine resources for their livelihoods.