Warming oceans hit coral reefs with 4th massive bleaching event, NOAA says

Coral reefs bleach in the Great Barrier Reef as scientists conduct in-water monitoring in Martin Reef, March 16, 2024, in this handout obtained by Reuters on April 12, 2024. (Australian Institute of Marine Science/Veronique Mocellin/ Handout via Reuters)

Coral reefs around the globe are experiencing a massive bleaching event for the fourth time, turning them ghostly white, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, said Monday. The bleaching could impact global economies, ecosystems and livelihoods, according to a report from the agency.