Corals have a relationship with tiny colorful algae called zooxanthellae. These algae provide corals with food and their fantastic colors through photosynthesis. But when corals get stressed it causes it to expel their algae partners. The corals lose their source of nourishment and, as a result, their vibrant colors, turning ashen and bland.

The main cause for the stress is rising sea temperatures. As our planet warms up due to climate change, the ocean waters get hotter too. When temperatures stay high for too long, corals can't handle it. Ironically, corals actually fight the climate crisis by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, acting as valuable carbon sinks beneath the waves.

Coral bleaching is a distress signal from our oceans, reminding us to take action against climate change. Experts say there’s still time to save coral reefs, but it’ll require swiftly addressing the three largest impacts to reefs: land-based pollution, overfishing and, most importantly, climate change.

Coral reefs are essential guardians of marine diversity and contribute significantly to maintaining the balance of our delicate planet.