UN reports record coral bleaching as 77 percent of reefs affected

The United Nations has reported that 77 percent of the world's coral reefs are experiencing bleaching, marking the largest mass bleaching event in history. This urgent situation has prompted calls for increased funding to protect these vital ecosystems. Countries including New Zealand, the UK, Germany, and France have pledged nearly $30 million to the U.N. Coral Reef Fund, which aims to raise $3 billion by 2030 for reef conservation. Further financial commitments are expected at the upcoming U.N. Ocean Conference in 2025. Mass bleaching events are now occurring outside of typical El Niño periods, lasting longer than before. Experts warn that this trend poses a significant threat to marine life and ecosystems that rely on healthy coral reefs.