Current Affairs - Environment - Discussion

Between 1998 and 2022, the coral cover in Lakshadweep dropped from 37.24% to 19.6%, marking an approximate 50% reduction over 24 years. This drastic decline has been primarily driven by repeated mass bleaching events linked to ENSO phenomena and amplified by global climate change. Despite declining coral mortality in successive bleaching events, the slowed recovery rate signals worsening long-term reef health. Coral reefs in Lakshadweep are critical for biodiversity, coastal protection, and local livelihoods. The 50% loss highlights the urgent need for climate adaptation policies, expanded marine protected areas, and improved reef monitoring and restoration efforts.