The Great Barrier Reef — Not all Hope Lost

The threat of climate change including the rise of temperatures and the threat of increasing natural disasters has kept the reef’s biodiversity and beauty in danger for a number of years.

Earlier this year, UNESCO decided against changing the reef’s status to ‘in danger’.

There have been a number of reactions to this decision. Some have welcomed the decision, saying it allows Australia to get on with the business of repairing the reef.

Others have spoken against UNESCO’s refusal to downgrade the reef’s status.

The reef has suffered many coral bleaching episodes over the years, with three notable occurrences since 2016. Between cyclones damaging much of the North-Eastern coast of Australia throughout the 2000s and the rising temperature of sea levels causing damage to the reef’s ecosystem, there is great concern about the ability of the reef to survive.

However, not all hope is lost for the Great Barrier Reef. The Coral Sea Foundation has recently found the reef, especially around Lizard Island, to be restoring itself to its former glory with gusto.

This comparison photo over a three year timespan shows the incredible recovery of the reef.