Coral Reefs Are Dying. African Coastal Towns Are Losing Everything.

MOMBASA, Kenya — For decades, scientists have warned that the outlook for coral reefs is increasingly bleak. Now, that warning is becoming a daily reality for millions along Africa’s coast. When coral reefs die, they stop protecting the shore from waves and storms. They also stop providing fish for local fishermen. In Mombasa, Kenya, and other coastal communities, the loss of these underwater ecosystems means lost income, lost food, and lost safety. The damage is not just environmental. It is economic and social. As the reefs disappear, so does the natural barrier that shields homes and businesses from erosion. Fishermen must travel farther and catch less, driving up prices and hunger. Scientists say the main cause is rising ocean temperatures, which force corals to expel the algae they need to survive. This process, called bleaching, leaves the reefs white and brittle. Without immediate action to cut emissions and protect marine areas, the price of dying coral will be paid by the people who can least afford it.