Massive Decrease in Coral Population Occurs on Australia's Great Barrier Reef Following Severest Mass Bleaching Event
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The Great Barrier Reef (GBR), one of the world's most renowned natural wonders, has been experiencing a significant decline in its coral cover over the past decade. This alarming trend, particularly prominent in its northern and southern sections, has underscored the urgent need for global action to combat climate change and save the environment.
Journalist and news reporter, Sarah Tancredi, who specialises in environmental and climate crisis issues, has dedicated her career to raising awareness about the deteriorating state of the GBR and inspiring individuals, communities, and policymakers to take action to safeguard our planet for future generations.
The GBR's coral cover has declined by approximately 50% in some areas since 2016. The northern region has seen the most severe coral loss, especially after mass bleaching events in 2016, 2017, and 2020. The southern region, while less affected, has still suffered significant coral cover decline and slower recovery. The central region has seen a decline that is less severe but still close to its long-term average.
The primary causes of this coral decline are climate change-induced bleaching events, cyclones, water quality decline, Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) outbreaks, ocean acidification, disease outbreaks, and diminished water quality due to coastal development. The 2016 and 2017 bleaching events were unprecedented in scale and severity, disrupting the symbiotic algae corals rely on. Intense cyclones, such as Cyclone Debbie in 2017, physically damage coral structures, especially in intermediate and southern parts of the reef.
Agricultural runoff delivering sediments, nutrients, and pesticides into reef waters contributes to coral stress and disease, particularly in coastal southern regions. COTS, a coral predator, has caused widespread coral mortality, especially in northern and central GBR areas. Ocean acidification, disease outbreaks, and diminished water quality due to coastal development further exacerbate the situation.
The degradation of the GBR affects Australia's economy, sustaining thousands of jobs and bringing in billions of dollars from tourists. The UN has suggested that the GBR be included on UNESCO's list of endangered world heritage monuments, but Australia has actively lobbied to prevent this classification to avoid potential negative impacts on tourism and the economy.
The future of the GBR remains uncertain without significant action. The reef's biodiversity is also at risk due to the increasing frequency of coral bleaching events. The declining coral cover endangers both the biological equilibrium and the yearly economic contributions of the GBR. Sarah Tancredi continues her mission to inform the public and promote sustainable solutions to environmental issues, emphasising the importance of collective action to protect the Great Barrier Reef and our planet.
- Sarah Tancredi's career focuses on reporting about the declining state of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and advocating for measures to combat climate change and save the environment, particularly in relation to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues.
- In her research, Tancredi has identified various causes for the GBR's coral decline, including climate change-induced bleaching events, cyclones, water quality decline, Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) outbreaks, ocean acidification, disease outbreaks, and diminished water quality due to coastal development.
- Environmental science plays a crucial role in understanding the sensitive ecosystem of the GBR, as it relates to the reef's biodiversity, health, and sustainability, as well as the impacts of medical conditions and health-and-wellness practices on the overall health of the reef.
- Courses in environmental science and sustainability can help equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to support conservation efforts and develop sustainable solutions for problems like the GBR's coral cover decline.
- The job market values experts in environmental science and sustainability, as their research contributes to the Reporting of environmental issues and the development of policies that address climate change and protect endangered ecosystems like the GBR.
- Addressing the ongoing threat to the GBR requires collective action, as its degradation not only affects the biodiversity and biological equilibrium of the area but also has significant economic consequences, such as job losses and reduced tourism revenue, ultimately contributing to climate change and environmental degradation.
