‘Unprecedented mass coral bleaching’ expected in 2024, says expert

2023 is first year of potential pair of El Niño years and since 1997, every instance of these pairs has led to mass coral mortality

Record-breaking land and sea temperatures, driven by climate breakdown, will probably cause “unprecedented mass coral bleaching and mortality” throughout 2024, according to a pioneering coral scientist.

The impact of climate change on coral reefs has reached “uncharted territory”, said Prof Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, from the University of Queensland, Australia, leading to concerns that we could be at a “tipping point”.