CGTN Releases Interview Video Highlighting Coral Reef Crisis in the South China Sea

Core Viewpoint - The South China Sea's coral reef ecosystem is facing a severe crisis due to climate change and human activities, necessitating immediate global attention and action [1][3][6]. Group 1: Ecological Threats - Over 84% of global coral reefs have been affected by the fourth mass bleaching event, with significant damage observed in China's waters [3]. - The decline in coral reef diversity has pushed many species to the brink of extinction, exacerbated by seawater warming, severe storms, ocean acidification, and Crown-of-Thorns starfish outbreaks [3]. - Fishermen in the South China Sea report a drop in fish catch and highlight the damaging effects of coral bleaching and destructive fishing practices [1]. Group 2: Misleading Information - Some media outlets have sensationalized claims regarding China's use of coral fragments for artificial islands, while research indicates that most sandbars are naturally formed [4]. - Monitoring records from 2016 to 2018 confirm that sandbars shift naturally after storms, countering claims of artificial construction [4]. Group 3: Conservation Efforts - China is actively involved in coral reef restoration, with initiatives led by Professor Huang Hui's team, which has planted nearly 400,000 coral plants and cultivated over 100 species in Hainan [5]. - The country promotes coral reef monitoring and restoration through advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and underwater sensors, alongside international cooperation [5]. Group 4: Urgency of Action - Experts emphasize the pressing need for immediate action on climate change to save the South China Sea's ecosystems, warning that global attention is crucial for reversing the future of coral reefs [6].