Scientists say that coral reefs are currently undergoing a global bleaching event, with more than 54% of the world’s coral reef areas in the territorial waters of over 50 countries experiencing heat stress. According to one scientist, the percentage of areas dealing with bleaching-level heat stress “has been increasing by roughly 1% per week.” Experts say the current El Niño climate pattern, in combination with rising global sea temperatures, is responsible for the extensive coral bleaching.