Scientists warn Great Barrier Reef faces collapse risk from El Niño

Scientists have issued a warning that Australia's Great Barrier Reef is at high risk of severe and widespread bleaching and potential ecosystem collapse due to this year's El Niño weather pattern. The Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system, stretches over 2,300 kilometers off Australia's northeast coast. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to thousands of marine species. Coral bleaching occurs when warmer ocean temperatures cause corals to expel the algae living in their tissues, turning them white. If bleaching is prolonged, corals can die. The current El Niño, a natural climate phenomenon that warms the Pacific Ocean, is expected to raise sea temperatures further, increasing the likelihood of a mass bleaching event similar to those in 2016 and 2017, which damaged large portions of the reef. Scientists emphasize that while El Niño is a natural occurrence, climate change is making such events more frequent and intense. The warning comes as the Australian government faces pressure to strengthen its climate policies. The reef's health is a key indicator of the impacts of global warming on marine ecosystems. Researchers stress urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the reef from irreversible damage.