Over 60% of global coral reefs bleached due to heat

NOAA reports 60.5% of coral reefs globally experienced bleaching due to record-high ocean temperatures. The current event surpasses previous ones, with the Atlantic Ocean's reefs hit hardest. A study in Huatulco, Mexico, showed 50-93% coral mortality. Scientists predict worsening bleaching in the Southern Caribbean, Florida, and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef this summer. El Nino's impact combined with climate change exacerbates the crisis.