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Great Barrier Reef Faces Existential Threat as Ocean Temperatures Reach 400-Year High

Great Barrier Reef Faces Existential Threat as Ocean Temperatures Reach 400-Year High
  • PublishedAugust 8, 2024

New research reveals that ocean temperatures surrounding Australia’s Great Barrier Reef have reached their highest levels in 400 years, putting the world’s largest reef at an unprecedented risk, Reuters reports.

The study, which analyzed coral core samples dating back to 1618, found that ocean temperatures remained stable for centuries before a significant rise began in 1900, coinciding with the acceleration of human-induced climate change.

Since 2016, the reef has experienced five summers of mass coral bleaching, a phenomenon where corals turn white due to heat stress, making them highly vulnerable to death. These bleaching events occurred during five of the six warmest years in the last four centuries, underscoring the impact of rising temperatures.

The research highlights the urgent need for action to mitigate climate change and protect the Great Barrier Reef, a vital ecosystem that provides crucial shoreline protection, biodiversity, and tourism revenue.

The Great Barrier Reef is not currently listed as a World Heritage site in danger, despite recommendations from the UN. Australia has actively campaigned to keep the reef off the endangered list due to concerns about tourism revenue.

However, many enviromentalists argue that Australia needs to do more to reduce its emissions.

“Australia must increase its ambition, action and commitments to battle climate change and protect our greatest natural asset,” Lissa Schindler, Great Barrier Reef campaign manager at the Australian Marine Conservation Society, said.

Despite the UN’s recommendation to add the Great Barrier Reef to its list of endangered World Heritage sites, it is not currently included.