by Jeff Donlan

Coral reefs are a vital part of the ocean’s ecosystem and when bleaching occurs, it affects all the creatures that depend on the reef to survive. Severe coral bleaching has been witnessed at the Great Barrier Reef for the fourth year in a row off the coast of Australia, where the recent heatwave has caused the ocean temperatures to rise dramatically. According to the Australian Marine Conservation, 22% of the corals there are dead. Scientists say if greenhouse gas emissions are not cut, coral bleaching could become a yearly occurrence.

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