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Australia’s Great Barrier Reef suffers third mass bleaching event
The world’s largest coral ecosystem, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, is experiencing its third mass bleaching event in just five years, according to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. The previous events occurred in 2016 and 2017, both caused by record-breaking warm waters fueled by climate change. This time, the bleaching covers all three major reef regions and is more severe in the northern and central areas. The marine authority estimated that about 25% of the corals died in the first two bleaching events, and the extent of the current damage is still unknown.
Bleaching occurs when the water temperature rises too high, causing the coral to expel its symbiotic algae, which provide energy and color. Without the algae, the coral turns white or gray and becomes vulnerable to disease and death. Bleaching can also harm other marine life that depends on the coral reef, such as fish, crabs, sharks, and turtles. The coral could recover if the water temperature drops and the algae return, but repeated bleaching events within a short period of time reduce the chances of recovery and increase the risk of permanent damage and loss.
The causes of the Great Barrier Reef’s bleaching are complex and include both local and global factors. On the local level, the runoff of pollution and sediment from coastal development, farming, and mining can weaken the corals and make them more susceptible to bleaching. On the global level, the increasing carbon dioxide emissions from human activity are causing the ocean to absorb more heat and become more acidic, which also harms the coral and its ecosystem. The Australian government’s response to the crisis has been criticized as insufficient and slow, with some environmental groups calling for more ambitious action to reduce emissions and protect the reef.
The Great Barrier Reef is not only a natural wonder but also a valuable economic and cultural asset for Australia, attracting millions of visitors and supporting thousands of jobs in tourism, fishing, and recreation. Its loss would have profound consequences not only for Australia but also for the world’s biodiversity and climate resilience. The current mass bleaching event serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the root causes of climate change and protect the natural systems that sustain life on Earth.
References:
https://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/the-reef/reef-health
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/05/biggest-threat-to-great-barrier-reef-is-climate-change/
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/mar/24/coronavirus-should-not-be-used-as-excuse-to-delay-action-on-great-barrier-reef-wwf-says