Image Source : Frontiers
Parts of the Great Barrier Reef have experienced the highest coral mortality on record, with a staggering 72% of corals dying in some areas. This devastating impact is attributed to a combination of factors, including a summer of mass bleaching, two cyclones, and flooding .
The mass bleaching event, which occurred in March 2024, was the fifth such event on the Great Barrier Reef, and part of the fourth global bleaching event . Rising ocean temperatures caused by climate change are the primary cause of coral bleaching, which can be triggered by a temperature increase of just one degree Celsius for only four weeks .
The survey, conducted by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), found that 12 reefs suffered significant coral mortality, with some areas experiencing up to 72% coral death. This is a concerning trend, as coral bleaching can have long-term consequences for the health and resilience of the reef ecosystem .
It’s essential to address the root causes of coral bleaching, including climate change, to prevent further damage to the Great Barrier Reef. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning away from fossil fuels can help mitigate the impacts of climate change on coral reefs .
