Great Barrier Reef at risk of 'collapse', scientists warn
4 hours ago
- Scientists warn that Australia's Great Barrier Reef faces a high risk of extreme and widespread bleaching and ecosystem collapse due to this year's El Niño.
- The reef, stretching 2,300 km along Queensland, is a major tourism draw and recently avoided UNESCO's endangered listing despite concerns over mass coral bleaching and climate change.
- Marine ecologist Morgan Pratchett stated that the next major disturbance could lead to localized species extinctions and widespread ecosystem collapse.
- Hard coral cover declined substantially in 2024-2025, with above-average water temperatures causing the sixth mass bleaching event since 2016.
- Additional pressures include extreme weather, land-based runoff, coastal development, and Crown of Thorns starfish predation.
- Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg criticized lack of government action, warning that inaction threatens coral reefs globally and could be a precursor to human loss.