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By Scott Huntington
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest living structure. It’s about the same size as Germany or Japan and is so expansive that it can be seen from outer space. It contains 3,000 individual reefs comprising 600 types of coral. A vast range of fish, shark, ray, whale, dolphin and mollusk species call it home.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most beautiful, impressive and diverse natural areas on the planet. Recently, however, changes in the environment have been killing off coral and threatening this natural wonder.
Scientists forecast that the warming will continue causing more reefs to bleach and potentially die off. If that happens, we could see a greater number of reefs being threatened by bleaching than ever before.
Pollution, overfishing, coastline industrialization and reckless tourism may also be causing damage.
The site was almost placed on the United Nations' “in danger” list, but officials decided against the move. The Australian government is now scrambling to make sure it stays that way.
Many activists say the government still isn’t doing enough to protect the reef. One major criticism is that the government is not focusing enough on emissions from coal, which impact climate change and lead to coral reef damage. Environmental organizations, celebrities, conservationists and ordinary citizens are urging officials to do more and encouraging people to get involved by signing petitions and spreading awareness.
Global warming also must be stopped if we are to save this one-of-a-kind World Heritage Site — a responsibility that lies with the whole planet. Improving water quality will help give the reef a fighting chance. But ultimately, if water temperatures don’t return to normal, the coral will remain in life-threatening danger.
The Great Barrier Reef is not dead yet, but you could say it’s on life support. Pollution, warming oceans and greenhouse gases have caused some serious damage to the ecosystem. It will take some substantial changes, but it is possible that the Great Barrier Reef will one day recover.
Image credit: Flickr/FarbenfroheWunderwelt
Scott Huntington is a writer and blogger. Follow him on Twitter @SMHuntington.
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