Transcript of World’s largest coral found in Pacific Ocean | BBC News

The largest single known piece of coral has been discovered by scientists on a research trip in the Southwest Pacific Ocean. The National Geographic Expedition went to explore the remotest parts of the oceans and to find out how many coral reefs are being damaged by climate change. The discovery comes as nations meet at the UN Climate Talks in Azerbaijan. Our climate reporter, Georgina Rannardt, has the details.

This isn't a reef. It's one single piece of coral. Seen for the first time, it's lived down here in the Pacific Ocean for perhaps 500 years, growing uninterrupted from the time Henry VIII ruled England. And it's mega, measuring 34 meters long. It is bigger than a blue whale. It was found by accident. On the map, its location used to be marked as a shipwreck. Manu San Félix was diving with his son, Iniego, in the Solomon Islands when he discovered it.

What I found behind Speaking from his research ship, he told me he is in awe of the coral. To be there and looking, and I was blown away, fascinated, looking to this amazing coral, and with a bigger smile, and excited, and thinking, wow, this is really special.

This discovery has happened at the same time as the UN Climate Talks in Bakhu in Azerbaijan. This virtual background and these people here are all part of small Royal Island nations and their governments coming here to say that coral reefs and their communities are at real risk from the ocean warming caused by climate change.

Coral reefs is very important. Our economy depends very much on marine and fisheries for its survival. We take heart from it. We take pride from it. It's important the world to know that it's a special place and it needs to be protected.

In shallower waters nearby, reefs are dying because of climate But this centuries-old coral has managed to survive. Scientists call it a beacon of hope that they want to learn from. Georgina Ranard, BBC News in Baku.