The Great Barrier Reef Is Not Dead
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Great Barrier Reef Is Not Dead

It is not dead, but it is slowly dying

92
The Great Barrier Reef Is Not Dead
The Mind Unleashed

Over the past weeks, many articles have surfaced reporting the death of the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef

is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is the world's largest coral reef system stretching 1,400 miles which can be seen from outer space. Over thousands of years the Great Barrier Reef has been an important part of the Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander peoples' spirituality and culture. Tourism for the reef also is a source of income for Australia, generating $3 billion per year.

Recently, the Great Barrier Reef has suffered drastic effects from global warming. Warmer water temperatures cause "coral bleaching" turning the otherwise colorful coral, white. According to the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, "93% of reefs on the Great Barrier Reef have been hit by coral bleaching". Because of this, the Great Barrier Reef has been rumored to be completely destroyed. An article published by The Outside titled "Obituary: Great Barrier Reef (25 Million BC-2016)" largely misinformed the public about the complete destruction of the reef.

Although most of the Great Barrier Reef has been hit, it is not dead. The National Ocean Service reports that "when a coral bleaches, it is not dead. Corals can survive a bleaching event, but they are under more stress and are subject to mortality".

Although most of this damage is permanent, the reef is still alive. The falsely reported article caused many social media users to believe there is nothing we can do about climate change and its effects on the environment. This is not true, many charities, scientists and governmental programs are working to save the reef. According to CNN, the Australian government is presenting a $2 billion investment going towards improving the reef's health.

It is important that we put our efforts towards saving what is left of the reef. The social media outcry for the Great Barrier Reef needs to be focused towards minimizing the effects of climate change to our oceans. Although the Great Barrier Reef is under stress, it is not dead, but it is slowly dying.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

21504
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

948583
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

125489
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments