It’s high time that we take global warming and climatic change seriously as it is slowly killing our priced treasures. If you are still living under the rock, this news will be a wake-up call. The health of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is in a critical state and deteriorating to climate change. Yes, if we do not take charge now, the world’s most extensive and spectacular coral reef ecosystem will vanish within before our eyes. UN body UNESCO said the reef should be put on a list of World Heritage Sites that are “in danger” due to the damage it has suffered.
The Great Barrier Reef Has Lost Half Of Its Corals
Climate change warms up the waters in which the coral reef lies. The World Heritage-listed site has lost more than half its corals in the past three decades. The coral bleaching in 2016, 2017 and 2020 has led to further damage of the animal, bird and marine population. The hotter water destroys the algae which the coral feeds on and leads to the bleaching. Extremely Rare Species Of The Eagle Ray Spotted In The Great Barrier Reef After 45 Years
Fishing & Coastal Development Threaten The Reef
Apart from climate change, fishing and coastal development are some activities that further threaten the coral reef. The progress towards safeguarding the reef under the sustainability plan through has been slow, and the deterioration could not be stopped. Coral Reef Taller Than Eiffel Tower Discovered In Australia
Turtle & Shark Populations Declining
Turtle populations including loggerhead, northern green and hawksbill are fast declining. The scalloped hammerhead shark and many seabird populations are also on the verge of extinction. However, efforts are being made to safeguard the reef. HSBC and the Queensland government said they would buy “Reef Credits,” a unit that quantifies the work undertaken to improve water quality in the reef.
Let us hope that we can preserve whatever is left of mother nature.