84%白化！全球珊瑚正经历最严重白化现象

时文摘要

“国际珊瑚礁倡议”组织在一份最新声明中说，全球正经历有相关记录以来第四次珊瑚白化事件。2023年1月至2025年3月，全球84%的珊瑚礁已经受影响。

The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) announced on Wednesday that harmful coral bleaching (白化) now affects 84% of ocean reefs worldwide, marking the worst event of its kind in recorded history.

This crisis, caused by rising ocean temperatures since 2023, has become the fourth global bleaching event since 1998. Data from the ICRI — an organization involving over 100 governments and groups — shows it has exceeded the 2014-2017 event that damaged two-thirds of reefs. Experts remain uncertain when this disaster will end.

“The heat stress causing bleaching may never fall below the critical level that starts global events,” warned Mark Eakin, chief scientist at the International Coral Reef Society. He emphasized this crisis is transforming Earth’s ecosystems and threatening the ocean’s ability to support marine life and human survival.

2023 was the hottest year on record, with oceans absorbing most of this excess heat. The average annual sea surface temperature in non-polar regions reached a record 20.87°C (69.57°F) — conditions deadly to coral reefs.

These “rainforests of the sea” — a nickname reflecting their rich biodiversity — host about 25% of marine species. They play vital roles in fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection against storms and erosion.

Corals get their colors from algae living within them, which also provide food. When water stays warm too long, the algae release harmful substances, forcing corals to expel them. This leaves behind pale white skeletons and makes corals far more likely to die.

While active efforts continue to protect and rebuild coral populations, scientists stress the urgent need to cut greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane (a powerful greenhouse gas). “True protection requires tackling climate change at its source — reducing fossil fuel emissions. Other measures are just temporary fixes,” Eakin stated.

Melanie McField, a leader in the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, added: “Public awareness is crucial. Doing nothing means signing coral reefs’ death warrant.” Her team monitors reef conditions worldwide.

1. 1. What makes the current coral bleaching event the worst in history?

A Its wide-spread influence.

B Its short-term occurrence.

C Its slow-recovery speed.

D Its local-area impact.

2. 2. What does “it” in paragraph 2 refer to?

A The 2014-2017 event.

B The fourth global bleaching event.

C The data from ICRI.

D The organization ICRI.

3. 3. What can we infer from Mark Eakin’s words?

A The heat stress will soon decrease.