The Great Barrier Reef, a 2,300km stretch of natural beauty along the north-east coast of Australia, is in peril. This breathtaking wonder is home to hundreds of species of vibrant corals spread across an area equivalent to Italy. The survival of countless marine species depends on this reef, making it a critical ecosystem. However, the future of this magnificent reef is uncertain due to global warming.
The recent southern-hemisphere summer, which ended in February, was the most destructive in the reef’s history. The primary cause of this devastation was unprecedented thermal stress that the reef experienced. This stress is a combination of high temperatures and their persistence, which can have catastrophic effects on corals. In the southern third of the reef, sea-surface temperatures soared up to 2.5°C above average. The full extent of the damage is still unknown, but some corals are already perishing. It is estimated that up to half of the corals may die according to Neal Cantin from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS).
The situation with the Great Barrier Reef is dire and urgent action is needed to protect this invaluable natural treasure for future generations. To safeguard this magnificent ecosystem, efforts must be made to address the root causes of warming temperatures and preserve its delicate balance. Only through collective action can we ensure its survival against the threats it faces.
