Aquatic life from coral reefs to fish in the Thailand’s eastern gulf coast is suffering as sea surface temperatures hit record highs this month amid a regional heatwave, worrying scientists and local communities.

The once vibrant and colourful corals, about five metres (16 feet) underwater, have turned white in a phenomenon known as coral bleaching, a sign that their health was deteriorating, due to higher water temperatures, scientists say.

Sea surface temperatures in the Eastern Gulf of Thailand reached 32.73°C (90.91°F) earlier this month while underwater readings are slightly warmer, with dive computers showing around 33°C, data shows.

If water temperatures do not cool, more coral will die, Lalita said.

“It’s global boiling, not just global warming,” she said.

  • IsThisAnAI@lemmy.world
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    5 months ago

    Folks who say this shit really don’t understand how people process information and create trust.

    It’s not boiling and many folks who read this instead of having a delta to change their behavior will just ignore it because a researcher wanted a quote.

    • Obinice@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      mmm that confused and then annoyed me too, 32c is far, far, FAR from 100c.

      The content of this article is important, it’s something that is a huge problem and I’m glad I’ve been further informed and educated, but outright lies and sensationalist titles are confusing at best, and always annoying.

      Just give me the information, article writers, without trying to turn it into clickbait. Thank you.