Reports indicate that the coral bleaching event is the worst ever recorded, affecting 84% of the world’s coral reefs.

If you don’t already know what coral bleaching is. It’s when corals lose their vibrant color due to the exposure of their zooxanthellae algae that lives within their tissues causing them to turn white. This is usually caused by stress, which is often formed by rising water temperatures and other changes in environmental conditions. These conditions can also make them too weak to fight off diseases.

The northern section of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, in fact, holds the highest percentage of all coral bleaching, with 50% of its corals dying due to coral bleaching. 

Coral bleaching is leading to mass coral mortality, resulting in a loss of biodiversity and damage to coral reef ecosystems. Without coral reefs’ support for human livelihoods and economies, habitats for a vast array of marine life, and coastal protection, these benefits will be at risk because they are some of the things coral reefs provide for us, and will be lost if the corals continue to die.

Research has revealed many ways in which we can individually contribute. We can start helping by reducing our carbon footprint, practicing sustainable consumption, supporting conservation efforts, and engaging with policymakers to promote positive change. The carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere by an individual. We can reduce our carbon footprint by switching to renewable energy, using electric bikes or scooters instead of gas-powered vehicles, and opting for sustainable products. If you’re unfamiliar with sustainable consumption, it refers to using goods and services in a manner that minimizes your environmental impact. Others use your privileges in more innovative ways, such as not always driving a car, only when necessary, rather than every time to go just a short distance. Supporting conservation efforts are also a great way to help without having to do much if you instead use your car or do other things that causes coral bleaching because if you donate money or information, it helps the people who have dedicated their life to this to help them do what they love while also helping the planet and in this case saving the corals as much as they can. That also applies to engaging with policymakers, because if you try to talk to people with businesses that can do what you can only dream of, or to companies with the same idea as you but without the right resources, you can help provide them with the necessary resources. There are many ways to help, so if you can, be that person and lend a hand. Corals are dying and getting sick every day on Earth, so do your part and contribute if you can.