Episode Details

Coral bleaching is not just a temporary event—it’s a climate emergency that can unfold over years. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin dives deep into the devastating history of global coral bleaching events, revealing how the fourth and current one (2023–2025) is affecting over 80% of coral reefs worldwide. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Caribbean, bleaching is now a global phenomenon threatening biodiversity, food security, and coastal protection.

Climate change and rising ocean temperatures are causing corals to lose the vital algae that keep them alive. This episode unpacks the four global bleaching events (1998, 2010, 2014–2017, and now), explores why reefs are slow to recover, and explains what’s at stake for humans and marine ecosystems. You’ll also hear about the essential roles that coral reefs play—from acting as biodiversity hotspots to protecting coastlines during extreme weather events.

Link to article: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/23/coral-reef-bleaching-worst-global-event-on-record