ATHENS, Greece (AP) — The world is not doing enough to protect coral reefs, the United Nations’ special envoy for the ocean said Tuesday in defense of the marine ecosystems that protect biodiversity, sustain underwater life and produce some of the oxygen we breathe.
In an interview with The Associated Press on the sidelines of an international ocean conference in Greece, Peter Thomson suggested that all significant coral reefs should be included in marine protected areas under what is known as the “30x30” initiative — a plan to designate 30% of the world’s land and ocean areas as protected areas by 2030.
Top reef scientists on Monday announced that coral reefs are experiencing global bleaching for the fourth time — and the second time in just 10 years – as a result of warming oceans amid human-caused climate change.
Bleaching occurs when stressed coral, which are invertebrates, expel the algae that provide their food and give them their vibrant colors. Although the coral can recover, severe and prolonged bleaching can kill it.
China Continues Promoting Employment Around Graduation Season
Medical Team from Guangdong Provides Home Services in Tibet
Seeing Anxiety Philosophically
Politicians, dog experts vilify South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem for killing her dog
Tourism Booms Across China As 5
Global Licensing Industry Optimistic About Chinese Market
China Makes Great Progress in Combating Trafficking in Women and Children: Expert
50 migrants reported missing and 9 rescued after their boat overturns off Spanish Atlantic island
China to Implement Garbage Sorting in All Cities by 2025
Zebras get loose near highway exit, gallop into Washington community before most are corralled
Teams from Both Sides of Taiwan Strait Take Part in Dragon Boat Race in Xiamen, SE China