国际珊瑚礁倡议组织周三宣布，当前有害的珊瑚白化现象已波及全球84%的海洋珊瑚礁，成为有记录以来最严重的生态灾难。The International Coral Reef Initiative announced on Wednesday that harmful coral bleaching now affects 84% of ocean reefs worldwide, marking the worst event of its kind in recorded history.
这场由2023年以来海洋温度持续升高引发的危机，标志着1998年以来第四次全球性珊瑚白化事件。该组织——由100多个国家和机构组成的联盟——数据显示，其破坏程度已超过2014-2017年间导致三分之二珊瑚礁受损的同类事件。专家们尚无法预测这场灾难的终结时间。This crisis, caused by rising ocean temperatures since 2023, has become the fourth global bleaching event since 1998. Data from the ICRI — an organization involving over 100 governments and groups — shows it has exceeded the 2014-2017 event that damaged two-thirds of reefs. Experts remain uncertain when this disaster will end.
"导致白化的热应力可能永远不会回落到触发全球事件的临界值以下，"国际珊瑚礁学会首席科学家马克·埃金警告称。他强调这场危机正在重塑地球生态系统，威胁海洋维系生物多样性及人类生存的能力。
“The heat stress causing bleaching may never fall below the critical level that starts global events,” warned Mark Eakin, chief scientist at the International Coral Reef Society. He emphasized this crisis is transforming Earth’s ecosystems and threatening the ocean’s ability to support marine life and human survival.
2023年作为史上最热年份，海洋吸收了其中绝大部分过剩热量。非极地海域年平均表面水温达到创纪录的20.87摄氏度（69.57华氏度）——这种环境对珊瑚礁构成致命威胁。
2023 was the hottest year on record, with oceans absorbing most of this excess heat. The average annual sea surface temperature in non-polar regions reached a record 20.87°C (69.57°F) — conditions deadly to coral reefs.
被誉为"海洋雨林"的珊瑚礁生态系统，维系着约25%的海洋物种。其在渔业资源、旅游经济、抵御风暴侵蚀等海岸防护方面发挥着不可替代的作用。
These “rainforests of the sea” — a nickname reflecting their rich biodiversity — host about 25% of marine species. They play vital roles in fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection against storms and erosion.
珊瑚的绚丽色彩源于体内共生的藻类，这些微生物同时为其提供养分。当海水长期处于高温状态，藻类会释放有害物质，迫使珊瑚将其驱逐。这一过程不仅使珊瑚褪为苍白骨架，更极大提高了其死亡率。
Corals get their colors from algae living within them, which also provide food. When water stays warm too long, the algae release harmful substances, forcing corals to expel them. This leaves behind pale white skeletons and makes corals far more likely to die.
尽管全球持续开展珊瑚种群保护与修复行动，科学家强调必须紧急削减二氧化碳和甲烷（强效温室气体）等温室气体排放。"真正的保护需要从源头应对气候变化——减少化石燃料排放。其他措施仅是权宜之计。"埃金明确指出。
While active efforts continue to protect and rebuild coral populations, scientists stress the urgent need to cut greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane (a powerful greenhouse gas). “True protection requires tackling climate change at its source — reducing fossil fuel emissions. Other measures are just temporary fixes,” Eakin stated.
全球珊瑚礁监测网络负责人梅兰妮·麦克菲尔德补充道："公众意识至关重要，无所作为等同于签署珊瑚礁的死刑令。"其团队正持续监测全球珊瑚礁生态状况。
Melanie McField, a leader in the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, added: “Public awareness is crucial. Doing nothing means signing coral reefs’ death warrant.” Her team monitors reef conditions worldwide.
今天奇速英语给大家分享的一篇关于全球珊瑚正经历最严重白化现象的英语时文阅读。有阅读理解题型、完型填空、语法填空、任务型阅读题型可以练习！
评论区打出你的答案！
13980503458
13980503458
admin@qisuen.cn