I am crossing a desert, but not one made of sand. I am swimming through a wasteland of rubble, the pulverized remains of a coral reef. Its barrenness startles me.
Coral reefs in the Philippines are some of the world’s most vibrant—but in peril
Much of the archipelago’s undersea splendor is protected, but some areas are being stressed by climate change and harmed by destructive fishing practices.
Tourists swim with whale sharks near Oslob, on Cebu island, reflecting the tension between using and protecting the ocean. Guides toss shrimp to attract the sharks, and scientists worry this could change the animals’ behavior. But tourism can replace fishing in the economy, helping preserve coral reefs.
Go Further
Animals
- Live animal markets in San Francisco accused of mistreatmentLive animal markets in San Francisco accused of mistreatment
- Why do animals love to bask in the sun? It's not just to stay warm.Why do animals love to bask in the sun? It's not just to stay warm.
- These mysterious moths fly at night in a straight line—but how?These mysterious moths fly at night in a straight line—but how?
- A look inside the monumental effort to save the Andean condorA look inside the monumental effort to save the Andean condor
- Never-before-seen bird hybrid surprises scientistsNever-before-seen bird hybrid surprises scientists
- USDA must now publicly report all animal welfare violationsUSDA must now publicly report all animal welfare violations
Environment
- Big changes coming for the Colorado River soon could get messyBig changes coming for the Colorado River soon could get messy
- How the climate bill will dramatically cut U.S. emissionsHow the climate bill will dramatically cut U.S. emissions
- 'Goatelope' mummy found in melting European glacier'Goatelope' mummy found in melting European glacier
- Nuclear fusion powers stars. Could it one day electrify Earth?Nuclear fusion powers stars. Could it one day electrify Earth?
- Can food crops grow in the dark? Scientists are working out how.Can food crops grow in the dark? Scientists are working out how.
History & Culture
- These influencers are shaping a new India—one short video at a timeThese influencers are shaping a new India—one short video at a time
- Images revisit the railways that united Bengal before PartitionImages revisit the railways that united Bengal before Partition
- These border villages still struggle 75 years after PartitionThese border villages still struggle 75 years after Partition
- In 1500s Europe, masks were fashionable—and scandalousIn 1500s Europe, masks were fashionable—and scandalous
- What the end of the war in Afghanistan means to one familyWhat the end of the war in Afghanistan means to one family
Science
- The science of why you have great ideas in the showerThe science of why you have great ideas in the shower
- Why smallpox vaccines fell out of use—and how that affects monkeypoxWhy smallpox vaccines fell out of use—and how that affects monkeypox
- Meet the marvelous creatures that bring soil to lifeMeet the marvelous creatures that bring soil to life
- Why monkeypox cases are still rising at such an alarming rateWhy monkeypox cases are still rising at such an alarming rate
- Humans are not prepared for a pandemic caused by fungiHumans are not prepared for a pandemic caused by fungi
Travel
- This tiny island is the best place to dive in the CaribbeanThis tiny island is the best place to dive in the Caribbean
- Sailors, sirens, and surfers of the Basque Coast, Video Story
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Sailors, sirens, and surfers of the Basque Coast