Scientists on Thursday warned the world faces mass global coral bleaching next year driven by the warming effects of the El Niño weather phenomenon, and it could be the worst on record. A study by Oceanic Atmospheric the University of Administration said Queensland and the US National third recorded global bleaching event in history, with areas such as Australia's Great Barrier Reef set to be hard hit. The Barrier Reef-the world's biggest coral reef ecosystem- is already struggling from the threat of climate change, as well as farming run-off, development and the coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish.

Scientists warn on coral damage. (2015, October 9). Manila Standard, p. B6.