Contributed from Queensland

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has been hit by its sixth coral bleaching event since 2016. Scientists and conservationists familiar with the problem are dismayed at the frequency extend of this threat to the world’s largest coral reef. Others are worried about the potential threat to the economy.

“The impact to the reef of these consecutive and severe bleaching events now for a decade is fundamentally changing nature and the reef ecosystem,” according to University of New South Wales Professor Tracy Ainsworth.

Aerial video shows mass coral bleaching on Great Barrier Reef amid global heat stress event 

Video from The Guardian

New data from the Marine Park Authority shows widespread bleaching of the Reef’s far north. The succession of bleaching episodes has led to a significant deterioration over time. With these events now becoming more frequent, the threat is worse. Under these circumstances, it would have been reasonable to expect greater government concern, backed up with the funding necessary for an adequate response.

The Albanese government did at least provide $1.2 billion for the Reed’s conservation till 2030 in last year’s budget. But despite the worsening situation, there was no more money in the year’s budget. Consequently, the Reff remains inadequately protected.

The problem is that the Great Barrier Reff faces the hottest conditions in at least 400 years. The biggest cause is climate change. The science proves this. Ultimately, the Reef’s survival will depend on how humanity tackles the threat. At the same time, this doesn’t mean adequate recourses to do what can be done to protect the Reef shouldn’t be provided. It must be given a chance to heal.

Both the climate threat and the plight of the great Barrier Reef have been neglected during his year’s election campaign. this sis wrong, and it testifies to the retreat of Australia’s pollical leaders on this score. This must be taken on by the citizens of Australia.

Simon Miller, a campaigner at the Australian Maritime Conservation Society, points out that “these reports continue to show the damage climate change is causing, but they must lead to action…”

All of us can make a noise about this. till the plight of Australia’s great icon is back in the national consciousness.