Authors: Harinisri R, Harini M
Abstract: The Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event (2023–2025) poses a significant threat to ocean sustainability and the climate change agenda, potentially harming ecosystems and coral reef-dependent economic activity. This study examines the extent of coral bleaching worldwide and assess the discrepancy between global sustainability goals and real-world marine conditions. The study use descriptive and comparative methods of analysis based on secondary data gathered from official sources to examine shifts in the global coverage of coral bleaching during significant coral bleaching events.By comparing the actual indicators and the related targets in terms of sustainable development, a quantitative gap analysis is conducted to determine the accomplishments in SDGs 13 (Climate Action) and 14 (Life Below Water). Additionally, the paper discusses the recurrence of bleaching and changes in the state of coral reefs using the Great Barrier Reef in Australia as an example based on monitoring data and images. The findings show that bleaching-level heat stress and continuous reef condition degradation have significantly increased the global coverage.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22302031
