The Great Barrier Reef

Kieffer Zahra

The Great Barrier Reef

Introduction

Coral bleaching

Table of Contents

Climate change and pollution

Effects on marine species and humans

solutions

Introduction

• Great Barrier Reef – Australia • Largest coral reef system in the world • Major marine ecosystem • About 25% of marine species • Important for biodiversity • Important for human communities • Source: World Wide Fund for Nature

Coral bleaching

If the Great Barrier Reef disappeared, many marine species would lose their habitat.

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• Main cause: climate change• Global warming • Ocean heatwaves • Pollution

Climate change & pollution

• Agricultural chemicals• Industrial waste • Water quality decline • Reef could lose biodiversity

Effects on marine species

Effects on humans

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• More erosion and flooding • Tourism economy • Jobs could be lost

• Food security risks• Coastal protection • Storms and waves

• Millions depend on reefs • Fishing and food • Fish populations could decrease.

Relevant Data

50%

ohas already been lost since the 1980s.

70% or even 90% of corals have died after recent bleaching events

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions • Governments must act

• Sustainable tourism • Conservation actions

• Protect marine ecosystems • Reduce pollution

• If we act now → reef could be protected

'No reef, no life. Protect it now.'

Thank you!

Coral bleaching

• Coral bleaching• Rising ocean temperatures • Heat stress for corals • Corals expel algae • Coral turns white • Corals might die • Mass bleaching events since 1998