Emergency UN Session on Coral Bleaching as Global Warming Intensifies

A recent extreme coral bleaching event has prompted an emergency session by the United Nations, highlighting the urgent crisis facing coral reefs due to human-induced climate change, Earth.com revealed yesterday.

Research indicates that 77% of global coral reefs are affected, with this year’s bleaching event being the largest on record. The session, held during COP16 in Colombia, resulted in commitments from several nations, including New Zealand and the UK, pledging $30 million to a UN fund aimed at coral conservation.

Coral reefs are vital ecosystems, supporting 25% of marine life and providing food security for nearly a billion people. Innovative conservation methods, such as coral gardening and stress-resistant strains, are being explored. Experts warn that without immediate action, we risk losing these crucial habitats forever, with the U.N. calling for global collaboration to protect coral reefs before it’s too late.