The Dead Great Barrier Reef

TL;DR

The Great Barrier Reef is at risk of dying due to coral bleaching caused by above-average seawater temperatures.

Transcript

the Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world and it's dying this is interesting if you enjoy today's video then don't forget to Like subscribe and if you're watching on YouTube hit that all-important Bell button to be informed of all our future videos the Great Barrier Reef used to be a haven for coral fish and scuba dive... Read More

Key Insights

• 🪸 Coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef is caused by above-average seawater temperatures, leading to the loss of algae and subsequent starvation of the coral.
• 😣 The bleaching events have been particularly severe over the last few years due to the weather phenomenon known as El Nino.
• 😩 Tourism, while a vital industry for the region, also poses a threat to the Great Barrier Reef, with the sunscreen worn by visitors harming the coral's ability to photosynthesize.
• 🥺 The Australian government's measures to improve water quality around the reef have been deemed ineffective by some scientists, leading them to believe that saving the reef is almost impossible.
• ❓ However, there are varying opinions on the matter, with some remaining optimistic about the reef's future.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is causing the death of the Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef is dying due to coral bleaching caused by above-average seawater temperatures. Coral bleaching occurs when the algae, known as endosymbionts, that coats the coral is lost, leading to starvation and death.

Q: What is the main cause of coral bleaching?

The main cause of coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef is above-average seawater temperatures. When the water becomes too warm, the coral loses its algae, which provides it with 90% of its energy input.

Q: How widespread is coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef?

In 2016, 90% of the Great Barrier Reef was affected by bleaching events, with over 20% at risk of perishing. In 2017, the bleaching expanded further, with some areas experiencing bleaching effects twice.

Q: What is the impact of tourism on the Great Barrier Reef?

Coastal tourism is the fastest-growing sector in the tourism industry, and the Great Barrier Reef is a popular destination. However, the increased number of tourists leads to more sunscreen entering the sea, which negatively affects the coral's ability to photosynthesize and survive.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Great Barrier Reef, once a haven for coral and fish, is slowly dying due to coral bleaching caused by above-average seawater temperatures.

• Coral bleaching occurs when an area of coral loses the algae that coats its body, leading to the coral starving and eventually dying.

• In 2016, bleaching events affected 90% of the Great Barrier Reef, with more than 20% at risk of perishing. In 2017, the bleaching expanded even further.