Coral Bleachings Devastate Bali Reefs as Sea Temperatures Rise

The devastating impact of climate change on coral reefs is a pressing concern, and the recent coral bleachings in Bali are a stark reminder of the urgent need for action. Indonesian conservationist Nyoman Sugiarto has been working tirelessly to preserve coral on the reefs of Bali, but the frequency of mass coral bleachings is now devastating.

Coral reefs are a vital part of our ecosystem

Ninety percent of the corals Sugiarto had nurtured on the reefs near his village in Bondalem, in northern shore of Bali, lost their color last December. The coral reefs off Bondalem were bleached in less than 10 years, he says, blaming warmer sea temperatures triggered by climate change.

Coral bleaching occurs when coral expels the colorful algae living in its tissues. Without the algae, the coral becomes pale and vulnerable to starvation, disease, or death. In April, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said more than 54% of the reef areas in the world’s oceans are experiencing bleaching-level heat stress, the fourth global bleaching event in the last three decades.

Coral bleaching is a devastating consequence of climate change

Indonesia has roughly 5.1 million hectares of coral reefs and accounts for 18% of the world’s total, data from the country’s tourism ministry showed. Coral bleaching in Bali in late 2023 was mainly caused by rising sea temperatures caused by the El Nino phenomenon that hit Indonesia, said Marthen Welly, a marine conservation adviser at the Coral Triangle Center.

The Impact of IoT on Coral Reefs

The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming the way we live and work, but its impact on coral reefs is often overlooked. The increasing use of IoT devices is contributing to the rising sea temperatures, which are devastating coral reefs. However, IoT can also be a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.

Companies are striving hard to innovate at a scale never seen before, with AI especially making its mark in the IoT space. For instance, IBM and Pasqal have partnered to develop a common approach to quantum-centric supercomputing and promoting application research in chemistry and materials science. This research can help us better understand the impact of climate change on coral reefs and develop innovative solutions to mitigate its effects.

IoT devices are transforming the way we live and work

The Role of AI in Coral Reef Conservation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing a crucial role in coral reef conservation. For instance, Audi is leveraging generative AI from Cerence to expand the capabilities of its in-car assistant. This technology can be used to analyze data on coral reefs and develop predictive models to identify areas that are most vulnerable to bleaching.

AI is playing a crucial role in coral reef conservation

Conclusion

The devastating impact of climate change on coral reefs is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. The recent coral bleachings in Bali are a stark reminder of the urgent need for action. IoT and AI can be powerful tools in the fight against climate change, but we must also take individual actions to reduce our carbon footprint and protect our planet.

We must take action to protect our planet