The Great Barrier Reef is Australia's pride as its sheer beauty claimed great honor in being named one of the seven wonders of the natural world. As such, the destruction to this wonder of nature is being closely monitored. Unfortunately, the effects of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef this year has been catastrophic to the point that it is almost close to death.
A report on the ongoing observations on the damage to the Great Barrier Reef was released recently, and the results are staggering. The combined efforts of aerial and underwater observations reveal that 67 percent of corals along the northern regions of the coral reef has already died in the last nine months alone. In fact, 2016 yielded the worst recorded coral bleaching to the reef in recorded history. A combination of the coral bleaching, intense ocean acidity and physical damage contributed to this damage though climate change is seen as the most likely culprit for a majority of the destruction.
Coral Bleaching, Ocean Acidity And Climate Change
We've all heard it before but how does climate change actually lead to these destructive phenomena. One of climate change's most prominent indications is a rise in ocean temperatures. When the ocean temperatures rise, the life balance of ocean wildlife is disrupted and one such adverse effect is the stress inflicted on coral life. The stress leads to the disruption of the symbiotic relationship between coral and its main food source, algae. The algae's exit from the corals' tissues leaves the latter vulnerable to diseases and eventually leads to the corals' doom, turning them into the skeletal white color that is the marker of coral bleaching and eventually, death. Pollution and climate change are two of the vicious causes of this phenomenon.
On another note, the staggering amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere result in the acidifying of oceanic waters, leading to the erosion of corals. While carbon is a naturally occurring gas in the atmosphere, the use of fossil fuels causes an unnatural spike in carbon levels in the atmosphere and in turn, the natural balance of the planet disrupted to say the least.
The Green Ring And the Silver Lining
Despite the grim reality of the destruction of this natural wonder, there is still hope for the Great Barrier Reef. Although an obituary was made earlier in the year to honor the "death" of the reef, much lesser damage and death is recorded in other regions of the reef such as the central and southern regions. In addition, some of the previously bleached corals in the said area escaped death and have regained their previously vibrant colors. However, it would require sustained and persistent effort if we wish to save not just this reef, but all vulnerable reef systems across the planet. Currently, the Australian and Queensland Governments are taking action on the preservation of the Great Barrier Reef through the Reef 2050, a 35 year action plan to preserve the world wonder for generations to come.
Further, more and more efforts are being done to combat the very root of this coral damage problem- climate change. Organizations such as the Climate Reality Project are continuous in their international efforts to inform people about the reality of climate change. The organization recently held 24 Hours of Reality, a 24 hour worldwide effort to spread awareness about climate change and encourage many more to take a stand for the planet. Actively involved in this organization are Climate Reality Leaders from the Great Barrier Reef's home country Australia, which happens to be one of the most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change. Part of the message they impart is that there is still hope for humanity to combat this man-made catastrophe.
