Heatwaves Bleach Life from Florida's Colorful Coral Reefs: An Urgent Climate Wake-up Call

The kaleidoscope of colors that make Florida’s coral reefs an underwater paradise is under threat, as an unprecedented marine heat wave is causing widespread coral bleaching.

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Rising water temperatures cause corals to eject these crucial organisms, leading to what is known as coral bleaching.

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Sea surface temperatures around the Florida Keys have skyrocketed this summer, breaking previous records.

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In response to this temperature surge, NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch program has raised their coral bleaching warning system to Alert Level 2 for the Keys.

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Underlying these heat spikes is the pervasive influence of human-induced climate change.

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Coral reefs are not merely aesthetic wonders; they play crucial roles in marine biodiversity, support the economy via tourism and fishing, and serve as a natural defense against storm surges.

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Over the past 50 years, the Keys have lost a staggering 80% to 90% of their coral, having far-reaching implications for both marine life and human communities.

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A significant restoration effort is currently underway to restore Florida’s coral back to its former glory.

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The current predicament underlines the urgency of addressing global warming.

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