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What is Coral Bleaching?

Coral bleaching occurs when coral reefs experience significant stress due to factors such as
temperature rise or pollution. Here’s how it happens:
• Corals have a symbiotic relationship with algae. These tiny algae live inside coral tissues and

provide essential nutrients to the coral in exchange for a protected environment.
• When water temperatures rise or pollution increases, the algae become stressed and expel

themselves from the coral. Without the algae, the corals lose their vibrant colour and turn
white.
• This process, called coral bleaching, weakens the corals, making them more susceptible to

diseases and sometimes leading to their death. Bleached corals can survive for a short time
but are under extreme stress, which affects the overall health of the reef and the marine life
that depends on it.

21 st Century #Media Literacy
Skills
Video Session

Watch the video of “Coral Reefs 101 | National Geographic“ at the given link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiULxLLP32s OR scan the QR code and
answer the following questions:
1. What is coral bleaching, and what causes it?

2. How can individuals contribute to the preservation of coral reefs?

Introduction to Systems Thinking and System Map 85