In view of the first observations made in recent days, it is the entire reef, which nevertheless extends over more than 2,300 km, which is affected by a phenomenon. This is the sixth time this has happened in 25 years, and the frequency of these whitening episodes continues to accelerate. This poses a huge problem, points out Professor Terry Hughes, who heads the Center for Coral Reef Studies in Cairns: “It is very worrying that this new episode comes just two years after the previous one. This is far too short of an interval for the coral to regenerate.”
To respond to these difficulties, the Australian government announced in February that it would allocate an additional 670 million euros to the protection of the Great Barrier Reef. But for Terry Hughes, this measure is only a poultice on a wooden leg: “Not a cent is dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This money is only used to treat the symptoms but not the causes. There is money to reduce water pollution. C It’s a good idea but it won’t save the Great Barrier Reef from rising temperatures.”
It is in this gloomy context that Unesco begins its so-called “reactive monitoring” mission.
Ariane Wilkinson, who heads WWF Australia’s Great Barrier Reef programme, thinks all is not lost, provided action is taken now. “It is still possible to limit global warming below 1.5 degrees and thus give the Great Barrier a chance to survive.she says.
“We could decarbonize our economy very quickly, as early as this decade, and become a renewable energy exporting superpower.”
Ariane Wilkinson, WWF Australiaat franceinfo
Australia indeed has considerable resources in rare metals, essential to ensure the energy transition. And also benefits from the highest rate of sunshine on the planet. But the government, for now, continues to staunchly defend the fossil fuel industry. Asked recently about the country’s coal-fired power stations, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he wanted them to operate for as long as possible.
Australia’s stance on these matters could soon change, as elections are scheduled for mid-May, which do not bode well for the incumbent prime minister.