The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a new warning about the impact of climate change on our oceans.
▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS
NOAA says we are experiencing a new “coral bleaching event” for the second time in the last decade.
More than half of the world’s coral reefs have seen bleaching in the last year.
Read: Florida lawmakers target wind energy, climate issues
That includes in parts of Florida.
The reefs are a vital barrier against storms and are home to several marine species.
“We have ways that we can buy time,” said professor of marine ecology Stuart Sandin. “Right now, we aren’t at a point where all corals are dead, and in fact, in most places, you see some corals living, growing, and succeeding.”
NOAA says this is only the fourth “coral bleaching” event on record.
Read: Fewer manatee deaths reported in Florida in 2023, fatal boat strikes increase, data shows
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2024 Cox Media Group