- UNESCO draft decision keeps Great Barrier Reef off 'in danger' list despite grave concerns over mass bleaching and climate change impacts.
- The decision recognizes Australia's reef management investment but expresses alarm over repeated bleaching and deteriorating ecological conditions.
- Marine heatwaves are becoming more frequent; the reef has experienced six mass bleaching events in less than a decade.
- Coral bleaching occurs when water temperatures exceed local tolerance; rising global temperatures increase the likelihood of prolonged heat stress.
- High coral cover does not indicate a healthy reef ecosystem; fast-growing corals are vulnerable to future disturbances.
- The 'in danger' listing was originally meant to mobilize help, but is now viewed as a 'badge of shame' for governments.
- Local management actions can improve resilience but cannot mitigate the dominant threat of global warming.
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential for the reef's long-term survival, but collective global action is needed.