Climate Change Leads Great Barrier Reef to Suffer Record Coral Bleaching
Australia's Great Barrier Reef has experienced its most severe coral bleaching on record, with researchers citing 'climate change-induced thermal stress' as the main cause behind the widespread damage.
A report released on Wednesday by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) revealed that two of the reef's three regions, the northern and southern areas, saw the most significant annual decline in coral cover since monitoring began 39 years ago. In both regions, coral cover dropped by 25% to 33%, following several years of strong growth.
'We're now seeing increased variability in hard coral cover,' said Dr. Mike Emslie, head of AIMS's Long-Term Monitoring Program. 'This is a trend that has unfolded over the past 15 years and reflects the growing pressure on the ecosystem.'
The Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest living structure, stretches over 2,400 kilometres off the coast of Queensland in northeastern Australia.
Since 2016, it has endured five mass bleaching events, where elevated sea temperatures cause corals to lose their vibrant color and become vulnerable to death.
The 2024 bleaching episode was especially devastating. According to the report, it had the most extensive impact ever recorded, with bleaching ranging from moderate to severe across all three reef regions.
Although the reef is not currently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site "in danger," the United Nations has recommended its inclusion due to the mounting ecological threats.
Australia has long resisted this designation, citing concerns over its impact on tourism. The reef contributes an estimated 6.4 billion Australian dollars (USD 4.2 billion) to the national economy each year.
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Climate Change Leads Great Barrier Reef to Suffer Record Coral Bleaching
Rana Atef Australia's Great Barrier Reef has experienced its most severe coral bleaching on record, with researchers citing 'climate change-induced thermal stress' as the main cause behind the widespread damage. A report released on Wednesday by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) revealed that two of the reef's three regions, the northern and southern areas, saw the most significant annual decline in coral cover since monitoring began 39 years ago. In both regions, coral cover dropped by 25% to 33%, following several years of strong growth. 'We're now seeing increased variability in hard coral cover,' said Dr. Mike Emslie, head of AIMS's Long-Term Monitoring Program. 'This is a trend that has unfolded over the past 15 years and reflects the growing pressure on the ecosystem.' The Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest living structure, stretches over 2,400 kilometres off the coast of Queensland in northeastern Australia. Since 2016, it has endured five mass bleaching events, where elevated sea temperatures cause corals to lose their vibrant color and become vulnerable to death. The 2024 bleaching episode was especially devastating. According to the report, it had the most extensive impact ever recorded, with bleaching ranging from moderate to severe across all three reef regions. Although the reef is not currently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site "in danger," the United Nations has recommended its inclusion due to the mounting ecological threats. Australia has long resisted this designation, citing concerns over its impact on tourism. The reef contributes an estimated 6.4 billion Australian dollars (USD 4.2 billion) to the national economy each year. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
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