A new study by Australian scientists shows that if global warming is not stopped, this natural wonder may not be preserved for future generations, the Independent reports.
Sea surface temperature In the waters surrounding the Great Barrier Reef this year, the highest temperature has been recorded in the last 400 years.
“Coral reefs are at risk, and if we do not deviate from our current course, our generation is likely to witness the disappearance of one of Earth’s greatest natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef,” warned Benjamin Henley, lead author of the study.
It is said that due to human activity since 1900 the temperature of the seas around the BBR is constantly rising. In particular, we are talking about the burning of coal, oil and gas, which increases the amount of dangerous greenhouse gases.
From 1960 to 2024 the authors of the study observed an average annual warming of 0.12 °C over the decade.
Mass coral bleaching is becoming more common around this natural wonder due to “unprecedented” sea surface heat, the study says.
As a reminder, heat-induced coral bleaching occurs when corals shed the colored algae in their tissues. Deprived of these beneficial algae, corals become pale and less resistant to disease. Coral loss can be devastating to the ocean’s ecosystem, as well as fisheries and tourism-based economies that rely heavily on healthy and colorful reefs that attract divers.
Since 2016 the reef experienced five summer periods of mass coral bleaching. The results of the study indicate that the Great Barrier Reef is approaching the point of no recovery.
Under the Paris Agreement, the world is trying to keep temperatures from rising by more than 1.5 degrees, or no more than 2 degrees. But for corals, even a 2 degree rise can be enough to kill 99% of them. reefs.
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2024-08-11 16:23:57
