Witness History
The first global case of coral bleaching
Feb 6, 2025
Clive Wilkinson, a marine ecologist and co-ordinator for the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, shares insights into the first global coral bleaching event in 1998. He discusses the shockwaves this unprecedented phenomenon sent through the scientific community as rising ocean temperatures led to widespread coral death. The intricate relationship between coral and the algae they depend on is explained, highlighting the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods. Despite dire prospects, Clive offers a glimpse of hope for coral recovery.
10:08
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Quick takeaways
- The first global coral bleaching event in 1998 highlighted the devastating impact of climate change on marine ecosystems, with massive coral die-offs reported.
- Coral reefs are essential for biodiversity and local economies, and their destruction threatens food security and coastal protection for many communities.
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The Impact of Coral Bleaching
Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel their symbiotic algae due to stress from increased water temperatures, leading to a loss of their main food source. This phenomenon was largely observed during the 1998 global bleaching event, which marked the first recorded instance of such widespread coral death. In regions like the Maldives and the Caribbean, temperatures exceeded critical thresholds, causing up to 99% of coral species to bleach and die. Scientists identify climate change as the primary cause of these stressing conditions, with evidence indicating that the frequency of coral bleaching events is increasing.
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