Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef—often called Earth’s largest living structure—is sounding the alarm yet again. Scientists confirmed its sixth mass coral bleaching event since 2016, with severe damage reported after the scorching 2024-25 summer. 🌡️
In a joint report, researchers from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and leading scientific institutions revealed that prolonged heat stress triggered 'widespread bleaching' across the reef’s northern zones. Imagine corals, stressed by rising temps, expelling their colorful algae partners—leaving ghostly white skeletons behind. 🪸
'This marks the second time bleaching has occurred in consecutive years,' the report noted, linking the crisis to climate change. Coral reefs support 25% of marine life, making this a biodiversity red alert. 🚨 But there’s hope: Authorities say some areas are recovering… *if* ocean temps stabilize.
While conservation efforts ramp up, experts warn: saving the reef means slashing carbon emissions. For young explorers and eco-warriors, it’s a wake-up call—our blue planet needs action. 🌍💙
