In 2024, climate change impacts and a range of other anthropogenic stressors have pushed the world's coral reefs into a fourth mass bleaching event. The fourth global coral bleaching event on record -- following the 1998, 2010, and 2014-2017 global events -- is the second in the last 10 years. During the third global coral bleaching event from 2014 to 2017, it was estimated that more than 65.7% of the world's coral reefs experienced bleaching-level heat stress.

The fourth global coral bleaching event has now surpassed the spatial extent of any other preceding bleaching event on record. As of late August 2024, 75% of coral reefs worldwide have been impacted by bleaching-level heat stress since January 1, 2023.

Covering less than one percent of the ocean floor, reefs support an estimated twenty-five percent of all marine life, with over 4,000 species of fish alone. The well-being of more than one billion people, including vulnerable coastal communities, depend on healthy coral reefs. Their essential ecosystem services underpin food security, coastal protection, and livelihoods for many of the most climate-vulnerable nations on Earth, yet the functional existence of these critical ecosystems is on the brink.

Although corals can survive bleaching events, the stress and impacts increase the chances for mortality and reduce reproductive rates. However, scientific studies reveal that interventions addressing local threats facing reefs can support greater resilience, including bleaching recovery. With the window for protecting these ecosystems is closing rapidly, integrated strategies to support resilience and avert ecosystem function collapse must urgently be scaled up.

Convened by H.E. Ambassador Peter Thomson, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, International Coral Reef Initiative, and the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, representatives of coral states, leaders in coral reef action and globally renowned scientists will take the stage during this COP16 Emergency Special Session on Coral Reefs will:

• Present the most up-to-date scientific analysis regarding the state of coral reefs and the fourth mass global bleaching event;
• Deliver clear action points, integrated strategies and scalable resilience initiatives offering the best chances of thwarting functional extinction, including efforts to protect climate refugia; and
• Outline critical opportunities and entry points for public and private leaders to scale up transformative conservation action to avert functional extinction.

The session will bring together representatives from both the public and private sectors, along with members of the press, for an engaging and impactful discussion.