Half of Earth's coral reefs have been lost since 1950

A new study indicates the pace of reef destruction is faster than previously thought.

The result is less biodiversity in the world’s reefs.

Likeredwood forests, coral reefs are ecosystems particularly sensitive to heat.

Warming waters threaten coral reefs by prompting bleaching events.

The coral then expel the algae, causing the coral to bleach.

Bleaching, depending on severity, can be fatal.

Temperatures don’t need to rise much to cause major problems.

Scientists have attempted several methods of protecting reefs against the threat of rising ocean temperatures.