Great Barrier Reef: New mass bleaching event hits World Heritage site - BBC News

The world's biggest coral system had seen only two mass bleaching events before 2016.

7 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Climate CouncilImage caption, A recent photo of the bleaching damage on the Great Barrier ReefBy Tiffanie TurnbullBBC News, SydneyAustralia's iconic Great Barrier Reef is suffering another mass bleaching event, officials have confirmed.

Bleaching occurs when heat-stressed corals expel the algae that gives them life and colour.

It is the fifth time in eight years widespread damage has been detected at the Unesco World Heritage site.

Only two mass bleaching events had been recorded until 2016, and scientists say urgent climate action is needed for the reef to survive.

"The frequency and scale at which these mass bleaching events are now occurring is frightening - every summer we're holding our breath," said Greenpeace Australia's David Ritter.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-68508423

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