coral reefs

Conservationists warn that the current super El Niño is pushing ocean temperatures to levels that could trigger mass coral bleaching and death on reefs worldwide. Rising heat stress is described as an existential threat to coral ecosystems, which support vast marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods. Environmental groups are urging attention to the accelerating damage as sea surface temperatures break records.

Singapore is planning to merge several of its southern islands into a single landmass through large-scale reclamation. Environmental outlet Mongabay reports that the project could wipe out coral reefs in the surrounding waters, raising concerns among conservationists about the fate of marine biodiversity in one of the world's busiest shipping regions.