Coral bleaching on Australia's Great Barrier Reef reaches 'catastrophic' levels due to..., here's what study says

Soaring ocean temperatures have taken a heavy toll on one of the world's greatest natural wonders, Australia's Great Barrier Reef. A new study has discovered that the Great Barrier Reef is reaching "catastrophic" levels. 

World's largest coral reef system, the great barrier reef is composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometres. It is located in Coral sea, Australia. 

Over 50 per cent of the corals were killed last year during the most "severe and widespread bleaching", a team of Australian scientists have observed. 

In 2024, the reef witnessed its worst summer, with rising ocean heat smashing records and leading to the reef's seventh mass bleaching event. 

What is the reason behind this phenomenon? 

The burning of planet-heating fossil fuels have led to a rise in global temperatures. The El Niño weather pattern, which heats ocean temperatures in this part of the world, can also be blamed for the coral damage. 

As per a report by CNN, scientists from the University of Sydney tracked 462 coral colonies at the reef’s One Tree Island over the course of five months last year, beginning at the heat wave’s peak in early February.

As per their findings, 370 of the colonies were hit by bleaching by May. By July, 52 per cent of the bleached corals were killed. 

“Our findings underscore the urgent need for action to protect coral reefs, which are not only biodiversity hotspots but also crucial for food security and coastal protection,” said lead author Maria Byrne, from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the university, as quoted by CNN.