Great Barrier Reef Faces Critical Danger
Back-to-Back Heatwaves Threaten Iconic Ecosystem
Australia's Great Barrier Reef is facing critical danger from back-to-back bouts of extreme ocean heat. The devastating episodes of coral bleaching, caused by rising seawater temperatures, have left the reef's delicate ecosystem on the brink of collapse.
Unprecedented Heatwaves
Over the past two summers, the Great Barrier Reef has endured unprecedented heatwaves. In 2020, the reef experienced its hottest year on record, with average temperatures reaching 31.5 degrees Celsius (88.7 degrees Fahrenheit). This was followed by another severe heatwave in 2021, with temperatures exceeding 32 degrees Celsius (89.6 degrees Fahrenheit).
Mass Coral Bleaching
Rising seawater temperatures have caused widespread coral bleaching on the reef. Corals, which are animals that rely on algae for food and color, expel their algae when they are stressed by high temperatures. The algae provide the corals with essential nutrients and energy, so their loss leaves the corals vulnerable to disease and death.
Critical Danger
The back-to-back heatwaves have caused mass coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef, with an estimated 50% of the corals affected. This level of bleaching is unprecedented and threatens the survival of the entire ecosystem. The reef is home to a vast array of marine life, including 1,500 species of fish, 400 species of coral, and hundreds of species of birds and turtles.
Conclusion
The severe heatwaves and mass coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impacts of climate change on our planet's most precious ecosystems. The survival of the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, hangs in the balance. Urgent action is needed to address the root cause of the problem - global carbon emissions - before it is too late.
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