Contemporary Environmental Issues: Other Interest Groups

"The Great Barrier Reef is a living thing - precious and fragile. It’s is the only living thing on earth that is visible from space – and it needs protecting now more than ever ..."

"Our Great Barrier Reef is in crisis. Our actions today will decide if it dies or thrives. This ancient icon needs urgent action: the longer we wait, the more damage is done ..."

"The Great Barrier Reef Foundation exists to ensure a Great Barrier Reef for future generations. We seek out the solutions and innovations that will also benefit coral reefs globally as they tackle the same threats and challenges ... "

"... There are also many things you can do to ensure that you are environmentally conscious when you visit coral reefs or coastal areas. These include things such as hiring local guides to support the economy, removing all trash from an area, never touching or harassing wildlife in reef areas, and avoiding dropping your boat anchor or chain nearby a coral reef ..."

There have been five mass extinctions on the planet earth. Each extinction has been preceded by the death of the coral reef. In the last 15 years, 30% of the world's coral reefs have perished and another 6% are expected to die in the next two years. Scientists are predicting that the Great Barrier Reef will become a geological relic in 27 years. In 1998 there was a massive global coral bleaching event. In 2010 there was another one. Because of global warming, massive global coral bleaching events will happen with increasing frequency and with far-reaching results. Bleaching of this magnitude has not occurred for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. We will continue to lose thousands of square kilometers of coral reef; Unless, of course, we do something about it.