What is a consequence of rising sea temperatures?

Rising sea temperatures significantly impact marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs. As water temperatures increase, corals experience stress, leading to a phenomenon known as coral bleaching. This occurs when corals expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that live in their tissues and provide them with essential nutrients and their vibrant colors. Without these algae, corals lose their color and become more vulnerable to disease and mortality.

The increasing frequency and intensity of coral bleaching events is directly correlated with rising ocean temperatures. This stress not only affects the corals themselves but also disrupts the entire ecosystem that depends on coral reefs for habitat and resources. Therefore, the consequence of rising sea temperatures that leads to more frequent and severe coral bleaching events underscores the urgency of addressing climate change impacts on marine life.